Apparatus and method for treating shoes

ABSTRACT

A shoe treating apparatus includes an upper cabinet, a lower cabinet disposed below the upper cabinet, an electronic component part disposed below the lower cabinet, a sensor part, and a processor electrically connected to the electronic component part and the sensor part. The processor may identify at least one of a material, a type, and a condition of at least one shoe in the upper cabinet, and based on the identification, perform normal treatment on the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet through the electronic component part. The processor may identify at least one of a material, a type, and a condition of at least one shoe in the lower cabinet, and based on the identification, perform intensive treatment on the at least one shoe in the lower cabinet through the electronic component part. A method of operating the shoe treating apparatus is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0077410, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0077411, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-77412, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0077413, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-77414, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0077415, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0077417, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0170566, filed on Dec. 8, 2020, and KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2021-0030973, filed on Mar. 9, 2021, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treatingshoes.

Discussion of the Related Art

In general, a shoe cabinet stores a variety of shoes and may be placedat locations where shoes are put on or taken off, such as at homes andrestaurants. The shoe cabinet may be divided into a plurality of storageareas by a multi-stage shelf to store a plurality of shoes.

However, the shoe cabinet only stores shoes and does not remove variouscontaminants such as foreign substances from the shoes. For this reason,the shoe cabinet may generate odors due to the shoes, and bacterialgrowth may occur in the shoe cabinet due to the shoes.

To address such problems, a first related art (Korean Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2018-0054004) discloses a shoe cabinet inwhich a user can select one of a first area and a second area, which aredivided from each other, to store shoes therein. The first area and thesecond area are operated in different treatment modes to keep the firstarea and the second area sanitary. However, in the first related art, aquick treatment zone and a normal treatment zone are not completelyseparated.

Also, a second related art (Korean Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2020-0002725) relates to a shoe dryer having asanitizing and deodorizing function and discloses spraying high-pressureair to the inside and outside of a shoe to remove dust therefrom andthen spraying high-temperature steam to sanitize and deodorize the shoein order to prevent the occurrence and transmission of foot diseasessuch as athlete's foot. However, in the second related art, a shoe isnot treated on the basis of conditions of the shoe such as the material,type, and function of the shoe.

In addition, a third related art (Korean Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014-0055701) relates to a cabinet equipped with a shoetreatment system and discloses a shoe dryer is installed in the cabinetto evenly supply ultraviolet light, hot air, and deodorizing solutionthroughout the inside of a shoe to treat the shoe and the supplied hotair is circulated in the shoe to improve efficiency of sanitization anddrying. However, in the third related art, a shoe treating function forremoving foreign substances from the shoe is not provided, and anintensive treatment zone and a normal treatment zone for shoe treatmentare not completely separated.

Therefore, there is a need for a shoe treating apparatus in which aquick treatment zone and a normal treatment zone are completelyseparated. Also, there is a need to treat a shoe on the basis ofconditions of the shoe such as the material, type, and function of theshoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

A conventional shoe treatment system does not have an intensivetreatment zone and a normal treatment zone physically completelyseparated from each other and does not treat a shoe according to thematerial, type, function, or condition of the shoe.

Therefore, the present invention is directed to providing a shoetreating apparatus in which an intensive treatment zone for intensivelytreating a shoe and a normal treatment zone for normally treating a shoeare separated from each other.

The present invention is also directed to providing an apparatus andmethod for treating shoes that treat a shoe according to the material,type, function, or condition of the shoe.

The present invention is also directed to providing an apparatus andmethod for treating shoes that treat shoes in different modes accordingto the material, type, function, or condition of the shoes in order tocorrespond to various characteristics of the shoes.

The present invention is also directed to providing an apparatus andmethod for treating shoes that optimally treat shoes by setting the timeduring which a shoe treating function is performed to be different onthe basis of the material, type, function, or condition of the shoe.

Objectives of the present invention are not limited to theabove-mentioned objectives, and other unmentioned objectives of thepresent invention and advantages thereof should be understood from thefollowing description and should be more clearly understood fromembodiments of the present invention. Also, it should be easilyunderstood that the objectives and advantages of the present inventionmay be realized by means shown in the claims below and combinationsthereof.

Technical Solution

To achieve the above objectives, in a shoe treating apparatus accordingto the present invention, an intensive treatment zone (that is, a lowercabinet) for intensively treating a shoe and a normal treatment zone(that is, an upper cabinet) for normally treating a shoe are separatedfrom each other.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present invention mayuse the upper cabinet as the normal treatment zone to normally treat ashoe and use the lower cabinet as the intensive treatment zone tointensively treat a shoe.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present invention mayidentify at least one of the material, type, and condition of at leastone shoe in the upper cabinet and, on the basis of the identification,normally treat the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present invention mayidentify at least one of the material, type, and condition of at leastone shoe in the lower cabinet and, on the basis of the identification,intensively treat the at least one shoe in the lower cabinet.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present inventionmay, on the basis of at least one of the material, type, and conditionof at least one shoe in the upper cabinet, control at least one of thetemperature and humidity inside the upper cabinet.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present inventionmay, on the basis of at least one of the material, type, and conditionof at least one shoe in the lower cabinet, perform at least one of aforeign substance removal function, a sanitizing and deodorizingfunction, a steaming and sanitizing function, a dehumidifying and dryingfunction, and a nourishing and water-repellent coating function for theat least one shoe in the lower cabinet.

Also, the shoe treating apparatus according to the present invention maydetect, through at least one sensor, whether a door of at least one ofthe upper cabinet and the lower cabinet is open and whether at least oneshoe is present therein and may, on the basis of detecting whether thedoor is open and whether the at least one shoe is present, operate eachof the upper cabinet and the lower cabinet in a treatment modecorresponding thereto through an electronic component part.

To this end, the shoe treating apparatus according to the presentinvention may include an upper cabinet, a lower cabinet disposed belowthe upper cabinet, an electronic component part disposed below the lowercabinet, a sensor part, and a processor electrically connected to theelectronic component part and the sensor part.

Also, the processor may identify at least one of a material, a type, anda condition of at least one shoe in the upper cabinet and, on the basisof the identification, perform normal treatment on the at least one shoein the upper cabinet through the electronic component part.

Also, the processor may identify at least one of a material, a type, anda condition of at least one shoe in the lower cabinet and, on the basisof the identification, perform intensive treatment on the at least oneshoe in the lower cabinet through the electronic component part.

Also, a shoe treating method according to the present invention mayinclude identifying at least one of a material, a type, and a conditionof at least one shoe in an upper cabinet of the shoe treating apparatus.

Also, the shoe treating method may include performing normal treatmenton the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet on the basis of theidentification. Also, the shoe treating method may include identifyingat least one of a material, a type, and a condition of at least one shoein a lower cabinet disposed below the upper cabinet and performingintensive treatment on the at least one shoe in the lower cabinet on thebasis of the identification.

Advantageous Effects

Since an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet are separated from each otherin a shoe cabinet according to the present invention, a shoe can eitherbe intensively treated or normally treated.

Also, according to the present invention, since the upper cabinet andthe lower cabinet are separated from each other in the shoe cabinet, ashoe can be selectively treated.

Also, according to the present invention, by intensively treating a shoethrough the lower cabinet of the shoe cabinet, foreign substancesadsorbed onto the shoe can be intensively removed, and the shoe can beintensively disinfected.

Also, according to the present invention, by normally treating a shoethrough the upper cabinet of the shoe cabinet, the shoe can bemaintained and managed to always be in an optimal state.

Also, according to the present invention, by controlling at least one ofthe temperature and humidity inside the upper cabinet on the basis of atleast one of the material, type, and condition of at least one shoe inthe upper cabinet, the shoe can be maintained in an optimal state for along period of time.

Also, according to the present invention, since the material, function,type, and condition of a shoe are identified through a shoe treatingapparatus to treat the shoe, performance of different shoes can bemaintained according to types of functions of various shoes.

Also, according to the present invention, by performing foreignsubstance removal, sanitization and deodorization, steaming treatment,dehumidification and drying, and nourishing and water-repellent coatingfor a shoe, the shoe can be maintained or used for a long period oftime.

Also, according to the present invention, by placing a discharge tube, adistance measurement sensor, and a camera inside the shoe treatingapparatus, the position of a shoe can be identified.

Also, according to the present invention, by adjusting an angle of thedischarge tube on the basis of the identified shoe position, a shoe inthe cabinet can be adaptively treated regardless of the position of theshoe.

Also, according to the present invention, by disinfecting the shoecabinet, the shoe cabinet can be maintained and managed.

In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of thepresent invention will be described along with specific details forpracticing the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a first exemplary view illustrating a shoe cabinet includinga shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a second exemplary view illustrating a shoe cabinet includinga shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of a shoe cabinet embedded in a wallaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a shoe cabinet accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a shoe treating process according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view illustrating a storage space of a lowercabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of normally treating a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view of an upper cabinet according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating an air flow in a plurality ofstorage spaces of the upper cabinet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing foreignsubstances from a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11A is a first exemplary view of removing foreign substances from ashoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a second exemplary view of removing foreign substances froma shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of sanitizing anddeodorizing a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a first exemplary view of sanitizing and deodorizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a second exemplary view of sanitizing and deodorizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of steaming and sanitizinga shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a first exemplary view of steaming and sanitizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a second exemplary view of steaming and sanitizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of dehumidifying anddrying a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary view of dehumidifying and drying a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of nourishing a shoe andcoating the shoe to be water-repellent according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary view of nourishing a shoe and coating the shoeto be water-repellent according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of treating a shoeaccording to operation modes for treating shoes according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of disinfecting a shoetreating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling tilting ofa shelf of an upper cabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24A is an exemplary view illustrating a user approaching a shoetreating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24B is an exemplary view illustrating a state of the shoe treatingapparatus in a case in which a user approaches the shoe treatingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25A is an exemplary view of a plurality of shelves disposed in theupper cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25B is an exemplary view illustrating coupling members allowingeach of the plurality of shelves disposed in the upper cabinet to beattached to an inner wall of the shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26A is an exemplary view of a plurality of shelves tilting in thesame direction in an upper cabinet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26B is an exemplary view illustrating coupling members in a case inwhich the plurality of shelves disposed in the upper cabinet tilt in thesame direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27A is an exemplary view of a plurality of shelves tilting indifferent directions in an upper cabinet according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 27B is an exemplary view illustrating coupling members in a case inwhich the plurality of shelves disposed in the upper cabinet tilt indifferent directions according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28A is an exemplary view of a state in which the lowest shelf of aplurality of shelves moves upward in an upper cabinet according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28B is an exemplary view illustrating coupling members in a case inwhich the lowest shelf of the plurality of shelves disposed in the uppercabinet moves upward according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling tilting ofa shelf of an upper cabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an exemplary view of displaying condition information of ashoe that corresponds to a user approaching a shoe treating apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a normal treatment process of a shoetreating apparatus according to opening and closing of a door accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32A is an exemplary view illustrating a plurality of shelvesincluded in an upper cabinet according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32B is an exemplary view of the plurality of shelves tilting on thebasis of normal treatment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 33 is an exemplary view illustrating an air flow in an uppercabinet on the basis of normal treatment according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a tappingpattern for controlling a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is an exemplary view illustrating a door of an upper cabinetaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is an exemplary view illustrating a screen for setting a tappingpattern for controlling an operation of a shoe treating apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a knock on sensor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an exemplary view of receiving an input of a tapping patternaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary view illustrating time intervals and sound waveintensities of taps of each tapping pattern according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a process of executing a functionaccording to an input of a tapping pattern according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a process of sanitizing a handle ofa shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 42A is an exemplary view of touching a handle of a shoe treatingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42B is an exemplary view of sanitizing a handle of a shoe treatingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43A is an exemplary view illustrating a bottom surface of an uppercabinet door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43B is an exemplary view illustrating arrangement of a plurality oflight emitting elements of a sensor part according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 44 is an exemplary view illustrating a side surface of a shoetreating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is an exemplary view illustrating a notification message thatinduces hand washing according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 46 is an exemplary view illustrating a process in which a shoetreating apparatus sanitizes a handle in each time window according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling folding orunfolding of a shelf of a shoe cabinet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a shoe cabinet according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is an exemplary view illustrating an operation relating tofolding or unfolding of a shelf according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling folding orunfolding of a shelf of a shoe cabinet according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 51 is an exemplary view illustrating unfolded and folded states ofa shelf according to the height of a shoe according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling anoperation of a rotatable duct part disposed in a storage space accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a rotatableduct part is folded upward according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a rotatableduct part is rotated downward according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part in a rotatable duct part is expanded downwardaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling anoperation of a rotatable duct part disposed in a storage space accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part is bent according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 58A is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part faces the inside of a shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58B is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part comes in contact with an insole of a shoe accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58C is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part faces the inside of a shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59A is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which a rotatableduct part faces the inside of a shoe according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 59B is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part faces the inside of a shoe according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating a process of adjusting the positionof a shoe in a storage space according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 61A is an exemplary view of a state before the position of a shoein a storage space is adjusted according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 61B is an exemplary view of a state after the position of the shoeis adjusted by controlling a rolling brush in the storage spaceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a process of treating a shoe in astorage space through a rolling brush module according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view illustrating a rolling brush moduleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a shoe isplaced on the rolling brush module according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 65 is an exploded view of a rolling brush of the rolling brushmodule according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detailbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly,those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventionpertains should be able to easily practice the technical idea of thepresent invention. In describing the present invention, when it isdetermined that detailed description of a known art relating to thepresent invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the presentinvention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate thesame or similar elements.

Although terms such as first and second are used to describe variouselements, of course, the elements are not limited by the terms. Theterms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, andof course, a first element may also be a second element unless otherwisestated.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for treating shoes according tosome embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1A is a first exemplary view illustrating a shoe cabinet includinga shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 1B is a second exemplary view illustrating a shoecabinet including a shoe treating apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a shoe cabinet 100 according to anembodiment of the present invention may include an upper cabinet 150, alower cabinet 160 disposed below the upper cabinet 150, and anelectronic component part 170 (or electronic component compartment)disposed below the lower cabinet 160. The upper cabinet 150 includes aright door 120 and a left door 110, and the lower cabinet 160 includes aright door 140 and a left door 130.

Also, the shoe cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may include two doors 191 and 192. Also, at least one of theupper cabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160 of the shoe cabinet 100according to an embodiment of the present invention may include anintermediate door 193. The intermediate door 193 may be made of atransparent material (e.g., glass, plastic, or the like) so as to besee-through.

According to an embodiment, the upper cabinet 150, the lower cabinet160, and the electronic component part 170 may be physically coupled toeach other to constitute a single shoe treating apparatus 100, or thelower cabinet 160 and the electronic component part 170 may be coupledto constitute a separate shoe treating apparatus 180. In the presentinvention, a way of constituting a shoe treating apparatus is notlimited.

According to an embodiment, the upper cabinet 150 may include at leastone storage space 151 that can store at least one shoe and may maintainthe stability of the at least one shoe disposed in the storage space151. The upper cabinet 150 may sanitize, deodorize, and dry the at leastone stored shoe to provide stability that allows performance of the shoeto be maintained for a long period of time.

According to an embodiment, the lower cabinet 160 may include at leastone storage space 161 that can store at least one shoe. Also, the lowercabinet 160 may intensively treat the shoe and improve performance ofthe shoe through removing foreign substances from the shoe, drying theshoe, dusting the shoe, moisturizing the shoe, treating the shoe to bewater-repellent, and the like. The lower cabinet 160 is a cabinet thatcan identify at least one of the material, function, type, and conditionof shoes and intensively treat the shoes.

A shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may be included in the electronic component part 170 disposedbelow the lower cabinet 160. Alternatively, the shoe treating apparatusmay be disposed on one side of the shoe cabinet 100.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of a shoe cabinet embedded in a wallaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a shoe cabinet 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may be embedded (e.g., built) in an entrance wall210. Both doors 110 and 120 of an upper cabinet 150 of the shoe cabinet100 may be made (or formed) of a transparent material (e.g., temperedglass, transparent plastic). Also, both doors 130 and 140 of a lowercabinet 160 of the shoe cabinet 100 may be made (or formed) of an opaquematerial.

According to an embodiment, a display part configured to visuallyprovide information (e.g., various pieces of information on shoetreatment, shoe condition, and user notification) to a user may bedisposed on both doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet 160. The displaypart may include control circuitry for controlling display ofinformation. The display part may include touch circuitry for detectinga touch.

According to an embodiment, the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet160 of the shoe cabinet 100 may move in the vertical direction. Forexample, in a case in which the doors 130 and 140 are open, a tray maybe moved to the outside. Also, in a case in which a shoe is placed onthe tray, the tray may be automatically moved to the inside of the lowercabinet 160 due to the weight of the shoe being detected. Also, thedoors 130 and 140 may be automatically closed after the tray is moved tothe inside of the lower cabinet 160.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a shoe cabinet accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a shoe cabinet 300 (e.g., a lower cabinet 160 andan electronic component part 170) according to an embodiment of thepresent invention may include a cabinet 320 that consists of a pluralityof shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324. Also, the shoe cabinet 300 mayinclude a shoe treating apparatus 310 (e.g., the electronic componentpart 170) configured to provide care for (or treat) a shoe stored ineach of the plurality of shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324. Theplurality of shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 may each performdifferent functions to treat the shoe at a certain time.

According to an embodiment, the shoe cabinet 300 may include at leastone duct 330 configured to connect each of the plurality of shoecabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 to the shoe treating apparatus 310. Theduct 330 may be connected to each cabinet. The shoe treating apparatus310 may include an LG TrueSteam™ system 311 configured to generate steamto treat a shoe, a filter 312 configured to filter foreign substancesintroduced from each of the plurality of shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323,and 324, an air suction fan 313 configured to suction air from each ofthe plurality of shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324, and an emittingpart 314 (or emitter) configured to emit a photocatalyst/ultraviolet C(UVC).

The shoe treating apparatus 310 may be disposed below or above thecabinet 320. The filter 312, the air suction fan 313, and the emittingpart 314 emitting photocatalyst/UVC may be included in a shoe treatingapparatus 310 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the shoe treating apparatus 310 according to anembodiment of the present invention may include a sensor part 410, anemitting part 420 (or emitter), an input part 431, a camera 432, adisplay part 433 (or display), a memory 434, a motor part 437 (ormotor), a shelf part 438 (or shelf assembly), a light emitting part 439(or light emitter), a driving part 435 (or driver), a direction controlpart 436 (or direction controller), a treatment part 440, a foreignsubstance removal part 451, a foreign substance storage part 452 (orforeign substance storage), a filter part 453 (or filter), a suctionpart 454, a discharge part 455, and a processor 470.

The configuration of the shoe treating apparatus 310 illustrated in FIG.4 is only one embodiment, and elements of the shoe treating apparatus310 are not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, and someelements may be added, changed, or omitted as necessary.

According to an embodiment, the shoe treating apparatus 310 may bereferred to as “shoe cabinet 100.” Also, the shoe treating apparatus 310may include an upper cabinet 150, a lower cabinet 160 disposed below theupper cabinet 150, and an electronic component part 170 configured toperform an electrical or physical operation for treatment in the uppercabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, under control of the processor 470, theelectronic component part 170 may be electrically or physically operatedto perform a treatment function (e.g., at least one of a foreignsubstance removal function, a sanitizing and deodorizing function, asteaming and sanitizing function, a dehumidifying and drying function,and a nourishing and water-repellent coating function) for at least oneshoe disposed in at least one storage space formed in each of the uppercabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the sensor part 410 may include a dooropen/close sensor 412 configured to detect opening/closing of the doors110, 120, 130, and 140 of the shoe treating apparatus 310, a weightsensor 414 configured to detect the weight of a shoe placed in acabinet, a distance measurement sensor 416 configured to measure adistance between the shoe and a wall (e.g., an inner wall) of each ofthe shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324. And, the sensor part 410 mayfurther include a knock-on sensor 417 disposed on the doors 110, 120,130, and 140 to detect tapping due to an external impact, a fingerprintsensor 418 configured to detect a fingerprint of a user, and an infrared(IR) sensor 419 configured to detect an approach of a user.

Also, the sensor part 410 may include a camera configured to acquire ashoe-related image.

According to an embodiment, the door open/close sensor 412 may bedisposed at a position that enables opening/closing of a door to bedetected (e.g., a hinge of each door) in each of the shoe cabinets 321,322, 323, and 324. The door open/close sensor 412 may include a sensor(e.g., light sensor) configured to detect an intensity of light due toopening/closing of a door. The door open/close sensor 412 may provide asignal according to a detected result to the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the weight sensor 414 may be disposed at alower portion of each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 tomeasure the weight of a shoe. The weight sensor 414 may provideinformation on the measured weight of the shoe to the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the distance measurement sensor 416 may bedisposed at a position that enables a distance between a shoe and aninner wall of the shoe cabinet 320 (e.g., the lower cabinet 160) to bemeasured (e.g., at least one of a left surface, a right surface, a frontsurface, a rear surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface in eachof the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324). The distance measurementsensor 416 may be provided as a plurality of distance measurementsensors 416.

For example, the plurality of distance measurement sensors may bedisposed in the horizontal direction or vertical direction on at leastone of the left surface, right surface, front surface, rear surface,upper surface, and lower surface inside each of the shoe cabinets 321,322, 323, and 324. The distance measurement sensor 416 may transmitinformation on a distance acquired by each distance measurement sensor(e.g., a transmission time, a reception time of a reflected signal, adistance from a shoe, and the like) to the processor 470.

Also, the processor 470 may identify the size, height, or the like ofthe shoe from the information on the distance received from eachdistance measurement sensor. Alternatively, the distance measurementsensor 416 may be disposed on the front surfaces of the doors 110, 120,130, and 140 to measure a distance from a user according to an approachof the user.

According to an embodiment, the knock-on sensor 417 may be disposed oneach of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 of the upper cabinet 150 andthe lower cabinet 160. Also, the knock-on sensor 417 may detectvibration (or sound) due to tapping the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140.The knock-on sensor 417 may be disposed on at least one of an upperside, a lower side, a left side, and a right side of each of the doors110, 120, 130, and 140 and may sense at least one tap.

According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 418 may be disposedat a position for detecting a fingerprint of a user on a handle formedat a door to open each of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140. Also, inthis way, the fingerprint sensor 418 may acquire a fingerprint of a useropening each door and may transmit the acquired fingerprint to theprocessor 470.

According to an embodiment, the IR sensor 419 may be disposed on thefront surface of each of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140. Also, the IRsensor 419 may irradiate light having a certain wavelength (e.g., in arange of 700 nm to 1 mm) to detect an approach of a user toward the shoetreating apparatus 310. Also, the IR sensor 419 may measure a distancebetween the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user.

According to an embodiment, the IR sensor 419 may include a plurality ofIR sensors. The plurality of IR sensors may be vertically disposed in aninner wall of each cabinet to identify the height of a shoe.

According to an embodiment, the sensor part 410 may include at least oneknock-on sensor 417 disposed on a door of each of the upper cabinet 150and the lower cabinet 160, at least one fingerprint sensor 418 disposedon a handle of each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160,and an IR sensor 419 disposed at one side of an exterior of the shoetreating apparatus 310. The sensor part 410 may transmit acquiredinformation, data, or values to the processor 470.

For example, in order to detect tapping through the doors 110 and 120 ofthe upper cabinet 150 that are made of a transparent material (e.g.,tempered glass, transparent plastic), at least one knock-on sensor 417may be disposed on at least one of the doors 110 and 120 of the uppercabinet 150.

According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 418 may acquire adigital image of a fingerprint of a user opening a door. The fingerprintsensor 418 may be disposed at a position on a handle of each door thatfacilitates acquisition of a digital image of a fingerprint of a user.

According to an embodiment, the sensor part 410 may include a gyrosensor. The gyro sensor may be used for zero point calibration of eachshelf. The gyro sensor may be disposed at one side of each shelf and mayidentify whether each shelf is horizontal. The gyro sensor mayperiodically acquire a gyro value of each shelf and provide the acquiredgyro value to the processor 470 so that the level of each shelf ismaintained.

According to an embodiment, the emitting part 420 may include a UV lightemitting part 422 configured to emit UVC, a photocatalyst emitting part424 configured to emit a photocatalyst, and a plasma emitting part 426.

According to an embodiment, the UV light emitting part 422, thephotocatalyst emitting part 424, and the plasma emitting part 426 may bedisposed at a position that enables UV light, a photocatalyst, or plasmato be emitted to the shoe in each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323,and 324 (e.g., at least one of the left surface, right surface, frontsurface, rear surface, upper surface, and lower surface inside the shoecabinet). The UV light emitting part 422 may include at least one UVClight emitting diode (UVC LED).

According to an embodiment, the input part 431 may receive an input forcontrolling an operation or function of the shoe treating apparatus 310from a user or an external device (e.g., a remote control device). Theinput part 431 (e.g., a touchscreen) may be included in the display part433. A user may control the operation or function of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 through the input part 431.

According to an embodiment, the input part 431 may receive an input ofdata that is input from a user and may provide various pieces ofinformation input from the user to the processor 470. To this end, theinput part 431 may include a physical manipulation member such as aswitch or a button or may include an electrical manipulation member suchas a touch key, a touchpad, or a touchscreen.

Alternatively, the input part 431 may further include a microphone thatcan receive an input of a voice signal from a user and a speaker thatcan output various pieces of information to a user through voice.

According to an embodiment, the camera 432 may be disposed inside eachof the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 to identify the position,material, type, or condition of the shoe in the shoe cabinet. The camera432 may include at least one camera (e.g., an RGB camera, a visioncamera) or a reader (e.g., an optical character reader (OCR) or thelike). Also, the camera 432 may acquire an image of the shoe in each ofthe shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 and may transmit the acquiredimage to the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the camera 432 may include at least onesensor that can acquire an image even at low brightness. The camera 432may include at least one camera and may be included in the sensor part410.

According to an embodiment, the camera 432 may be disposed on the frontsurface of the shoe treating apparatus 310. The camera 432 may bedisposed on the front surface of the shoe treating apparatus 310 toidentify an approach of a user toward the shoe treating apparatus 310and to identify the user.

According to an embodiment, each camera may be disposed at one side ofthe doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 or may be disposed inside each cabinet.For example, by providing a camera disposed in each cabinet, theprocessor 470 may acquire an image for identifying the material, type,and condition of a shoe through a camera disposed on an inner wall ofeach shoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, the display part 433 may display anoperation of at least one of the upper cabinet 150, the lower cabinet160, and the electronic component part 170 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310. The display part 433 may include a touchscreen.

The display part 433 may display various pieces of information on theoperation (e.g., a completed operation, an operation currently inprogress, an operation to be performed, a time at which an operationends, etc.) of the shoe treating apparatus 310. The display part 433 maydisplay whether a shoe is present in each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322,323, and 324, the type of shoe, the material of the shoe, the functionof the shoe, the condition of the shoe, and an operational state orfunctional state of each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324.

According to an embodiment, the display part 433 may display variouspieces of information (e.g., multimedia data, text data, or the like).The display part 433 may display various pieces of information on aresult of completed shoe treatment, the current state of treatment inprogress, or treatment to be performed by the processor 470. The displaypart 433 may include control circuitry for controlling a displayconfigured to visually provide information to a user.

According to an embodiment, the display part 433 may include touchcircuitry configured to detect a touch or an input sensor that canmeasure an intensity of pressure of a touch. The display part 433 may bedisposed at one side of each of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 of theshoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the display part 433 may be disposed on atransparent member (e.g., a smart mirror) of a door of the shoe treatingapparatus 310. Also, the smart mirror may visually provide anoperational state of the shoe treating apparatus 310 or various piecesof information (e.g., treatment-related information, informationindicating the current state) on at least one shoe.

According to an embodiment, the smart mirror mounted on the door of theshoe treating apparatus 310 may be operated in any one or more modes ofa first mode (e.g., a mirror mode), a second mode (e.g., a smart mirrormode), and a third mode (e.g., a display mode).

The first mode is a mode in which the smart mirror completely reflectsthings like a normal mirror, the second mode is a mode in which thesmart mirror displays at least pieces of information on the basis of thefirst mode, and the third mode is a mode in which the smart mirrordisplays only at least pieces of information generated by the processor470. In this way, the smart mirror may include various panels (e.g., apolarizing layer, a conductive layer, an insulating layer, a displaypanel, a touch sensing panel, and the like) to support such variousmodes.

According to an embodiment, the transmissivity and reflectivity of thesmart mirror may be adjusted to allow the smart mirror to operate invarious modes. For example, under control of the processor 470, thesmart mirror may, in a state in which the smart mirror is able toreflect an image of a user or the like located in front of the smartmirror and display a mirror image thereof (e.g., the first mode state),be operated in a mode in which various pieces of information generatedby the processor 470 (e.g., text, numbers, images, and the like) andvarious pieces of information received from an external device (e.g., aremote control device) (e.g., preview images, images, text, numbers, andthe like) are displayed by the smart mirror (e.g., the second mode).

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may include a volatile memoryor a nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory 434 may storeinformation, data, programs, and the like necessary for the operation ofthe shoe treating apparatus 310. Accordingly, the processor 470 mayperform a control operation, which will be described below, by referringto the information stored in the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may also store variousplatforms. For example, the memory 434 may include at least one type ofstorage medium of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimediacard micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) orextreme digital (XD) memory or the like), a random access memory (RAM),and a read-only memory (ROM) (such as an electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM)).

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may store various pieces ofdata acquired or used by at least one element of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 (e.g., software, applications, acquired information,measured information, control signals, and the like) and instructionsrelating thereto.

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may store information on theheight of at least one user, an image of the user, and a fingerprint ofthe user and information on at least one shoe (e.g., an image accordingto the type of shoe, the height of the shoe, the material of the shoe,the function of the shoe, etc.).

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may store an identifier,position information, and a tilt angle for controlling tilting of eachshelf for each of a plurality of shelves included in the upper cabinet150. Also, the memory 434 may store an identifier, position information,a tilt angle for controlling tilting of each shelf for each of aplurality of shelves included in the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the motor part 437 may include at least onemotor configured to control tilting of each of the plurality of shelvesincluded in the upper cabinet 150. Also, the motor part 437 may includeat least one motor configured to control tilting of each of theplurality of shelves included in the lower cabinet 160. At least onemotor of the motor part 437 may be operated so that a shelfcorresponding to control of the processor 470 tilts at the correspondingtilt angle.

According to an embodiment, the shelf part 438 may include at least oneshelf included in the upper cabinet 150 and at least one shelf includedin the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting part 439 may include atleast one light emitting element (e.g., an LED, a UVC LED). The at leastone light emitting element may be disposed on at least one shelfincluded in each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160. Thelight emitting part 439 may be disposed at various positions of the shoecabinet 100. The light emitting part 439 may emit light under control ofthe processor 470. Alternatively, the light emitting part 439 may emitdifferent colored lights under control of the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the treatment part 440 may include an airgenerating part 442 configured to generate air supplied to the inside ofeach cabinet of the upper cabinet 150 and/or the inside of each cabinetof the lower cabinet 160, a steam generating part 444 configured togenerate steam supplied to the inside of each cabinet of the uppercabinet 150 and/or the inside of each cabinet of the lower cabinet 160,a low-temperature hot air generating part 446 configured to generatelow-temperature hot air supplied to the inside of each cabinet of theupper cabinet 150 and/or the inside of each cabinet of the lower cabinet160, and a water repellent part 448 configured to generate a liquid(e.g., mist) supplied to the inside of each cabinet of the upper cabinet150 and/or the inside of each cabinet of the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the air generating part 442,the steam generating part 444, the low-temperature hot air generatingpart 446, and the water repellent part 448 in the treatment part 440 maybe connected to the filter part 453 through a first duct 456. Airfiltered by the filter part 453 may be supplied to at least one of theair generating part 442, the steam generating part 444, thelow-temperature hot air generating part 446, and the water repellentpart 448 through the first duct 456. Due to such a structure, air,steam, low-temperature hot air, and the like may circulate in the shoecabinet 100.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the air generating part 442,the steam generating part 444, the low-temperature hot air generatingpart 446, and the water repellent part 448 in the treatment part 440 maybe connected to the discharge part 455 through a second duct 457. Theair (e.g., steam, low-temperature hot air, water repellent, or the like)discharged from at least one of the air generating part 442, the steamgenerating part 444, the low-temperature hot air generating part 446,and the water repellent part 448 may be delivered to the discharge part455 through the second duct 457. The discharge part 455 may include aduct module (e.g., a duct module 5300 of FIG. 53).

According to an embodiment, the discharge part 455 may be disposed onthe inner wall (e.g., at least one of the left surface, right surface,front surface, rear surface, upper surface, and lower surface) of eachof the shoe cabinets. The discharge part 455 may discharge or spray atleast one of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and liquid (e.g.,sprayed water) to the inside of each of the shoe cabinets. The dischargepart 455 may include at least one fan (or propeller) for the dischargingor spraying. Also, for the discharge, one or more third ducts 458, 459,and 460 may be disposed on the inner wall of each of the shoe cabinets.

At least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and liquid (e.g.,sprayed water) may be discharged or sprayed in each of the shoe cabinetsthrough the one or more third ducts 458, 459, and 460.

For example, the discharge part 455 may include two propellers. The twopropellers may each rotate in different directions coaxially. Forexample, in a case in which the air, steam, low-temperature hot air, andliquid (e.g., sprayed water) are intensively sprayed in a narrow area,the two propellers may simultaneously rotate in different directions(for example, a first propeller may rotate clockwise while a secondpropeller rotates counterclockwise).

Also, in a case in which the air, steam, low-temperature hot air, andliquid (e.g., sprayed water) are intensively sprayed in a wide area, asingle propeller (e.g., a first propeller) may rotate.

According to an embodiment, the direction control part 436 may controlthe direction of the one or more third ducts 458, 459, and 460 so thatthe one or more third ducts 458, 459, and 460 face a direction toward ashoe disposed in a shoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, the foreign substance removal part 451 mayinclude a roller brush module (or at least one roller brush), which isconfigured to remove foreign substances adsorbed onto a shoe disposed inthe shoe cabinet, and at least one ultrasonic vibrator.

According to an embodiment, the roller brush module may be disposed on alower portion of each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 of thelower cabinet 160. In this way, the roller brush module may be disposedon a lower portion of the shoe cabinet so as to come in contact with thebottom of a shoe in each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324.Also, the roller brush module may include a plurality of roller brushes.

According to an embodiment, the roller brush may rotate clockwise orcounterclockwise to remove foreign substances (e.g., dirt, dust, or thelike) attached to a shoe stored in the shoe cabinet (e.g., attached tothe bottom, side, or the like of the shoe) from the shoe. The foreignsubstance removal part 451 may include a plurality of roller brushesaccording to the size of the shoe cabinet. Each roller brush may rotateindependently or may rotate dependently due to a worm gear disposedbetween two roller brushes.

According to an embodiment, a motor and at least one vibrator may bedisposed in each of the plurality of roller brushes. Also, the pluralityof roller brushes may rotate independently by a rotational force of thecorresponding motor.

For example, in a case in which a plurality of roller brushes aredisposed on a lower portion of the shoe cabinet, a first roller brushdisposed at the leftmost side (or the rightmost side) may be rotatedclockwise through the driving part 435 (or the motor part 437). Also, inthe case in which the first roller brush is rotated clockwise, a secondroller brush disposed at the right (or left) of the first roller brushmay be rotated counterclockwise on the basis of the clockwise rotationof the first roller brush.

Likewise, as the second roller brush rotates counterclockwise, a thirdroller brush disposed at the right (or left) of the second roller brushmay be rotated clockwise.

According to an embodiment, a worm gear configured to connect rotationsof roller brushes disposed on the lower portion of the shoe cabinet maybe disposed between the roller brushes. Also, in a case in which a firstroller brush disposed at the leftmost side (or the rightmost side) isrotated clockwise through the driving part 435, a worm gear disposed atthe right (or left) of the first roller brush may be rotatedcounterclockwise on the basis of the clockwise rotation of the firstroller brush.

Likewise, as the worm gear rotates counterclockwise, a second rollerbrush disposed at the right (or left) of the worm gear may be rotatedclockwise. In this way, each roller brush and worm gear may rotate whilebeing engaged with each other.

Therefore, the driving part 435 may rotate at least one roller brushdisposed on the lower portion of the shoe cabinet to rotate a pluralityof roller brushes.

According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator may propagateultrasonic waves to generate vibration. The ultrasonic vibrator may bedisposed on a roller brush configured to remove foreign substancesadsorbed onto the lower portion of a shoe. Due to vibration of theultrasonic vibrator, foreign substances (e.g., dirt, dust, or the like)attached to a shoe disposed in the shoe cabinet (e.g., attached to thebottom, side, or the like of the shoe) may be removed from the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the driving part 435 (or the motor part 437)may include at least one motor that can drive at least one roller brush,at least one worm gear, and at least one ultrasonic vibrator in theforeign substance removal part 451.

According to an embodiment, the suction part 454 may suction the foreignsubstances (e.g., dirt, dust, or the like) in each of the shoe cabinets321, 322, 323, and 324. The suction part 454 may include a fourth duct461 that can suction the foreign substances (e.g., dirt, dust, or thelike) in the shoe cabinet. The fourth duct 461 may be disposed (orformed) toward the inside of the shoe cabinet. The fourth duct 461 maybe disposed on at least one of the left surface, right surface, frontsurface, rear surface, upper surface, and lower surface inside the shoecabinet.

According to an embodiment, the foreign substance removal part 451 andthe foreign substance storage part 452 may be connected by a ductthrough which foreign substances pass.

According to an embodiment, the foreign substance storage part 452 maystore foreign substances removed from a shoe. The foreign substancestorage part 452 may store foreign substances separated from a shoe byat least one of rotation of at least one roller brush of the foreignsubstance removal part 451 and vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator ofthe foreign substance removal part 451. The foreign substance storagepart 452 may be detachable from or attachable to a shoe cabinet and maybe a container type that can store the foreign substances.

According to an embodiment, the suction part 454 may suction foreignsubstances in each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 throughthe fourth duct 461. The foreign substances (e.g., dirt, dust, or thelike) suctioned through the suction part 454 pass through the filterpart 453.

According to an embodiment, the suction part 454 and the filter part 453may be connected by a duct through which foreign substances pass.

According to an embodiment, the filter part 453 may filter the foreignsubstances (e.g., dirt, dust, or the like) suctioned through the suctionpart 454. Also, the filter part 453 may store the filtered foreignsubstances in the foreign substance storage part 452. The filter part453 may include a filtering member (e.g., a dust filter or the like)configured to filter the foreign substances suctioned into the suctionpart 454.

Also, filtered air that passed through the filter part 453 may beprovided to at least one of the air generating part 442, the steamgenerating part 444, the low-temperature hot air generating part 446,and the water repellent part 448 in the treatment part 440 through thefirst duct 456.

In this way, the air provided to the treatment part 440 may be used inperforming an operation according to a function of each of the airgenerating part 442, the steam generating part 444, the low-temperaturehot air generating part 446, and the water repellent part 448.

According to an embodiment, the air generating part 442 may receive airfiltered in the filter part 453 through the first duct 456. The airintroduced into the air generating part 442 through the first duct 456may be converted into air having a predetermined wind strength throughthe air generating part 442 and then be introduced into the dischargepart 455 through the second duct 457.

Also, air introduced into the steam generating part 444 through thefirst duct 456 may be, together with a liquid (e.g., a spraying-typeliquid), converted into a spraying-type liquid having a predeterminedstrength in the steam generating part 444 and then sprayed through thedischarge part 455 through the second duct 457.

According to an embodiment, the steam generating part 444 may include acontainer that can store a liquid necessary to generate steam. Thecontainer that can store the liquid may be included in the shoe treatingapparatus 310 or may be detachable from or attachable to the shoetreating apparatus 310. The steam generating part 444 (e.g., the LGTrueSteam™ system 311) may mix a heated liquid with air introducedthrough the first duct 456 to generate steam.

According to an embodiment, air introduced into the low-temperature hotair generating part 446 through the first duct 456 may be converted intohot air at a low temperature (e.g., 40° C.) through the low-temperaturehot air generating part 446 and then introduced into the discharge part455 through the second duct 457.

According to an embodiment, air introduced into the water repellent part448 through the first duct 456 may be, together with a liquid (e.g.,mist), converted into a spraying-type liquid having a predeterminedstrength in the water repellent part 448 and then introduced into thedischarge part 455 through the second duct 457. Also, the spraying-typeliquid introduced into the discharge part 455 may be sprayed through theone or more third ducts 458, 459, and 460.

In this way, the air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent generated by an operation of each element in the treatmentpart 440 may be introduced into the discharge part 455 through thesecond duct 457 connected to the discharge part 455.

Also, in the discharge part 455, the introduced air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent may be discharged to theinside of the shoe cabinet through the ducts 458, 459, and 460 (or aduct module) in which a discharge direction is adjusted by control ofthe direction control part 436.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the foreign substanceremoval part 451, the suction part 454, the filter part 453, and thedischarge part 455 may be disposed in each of the plurality of shoecabinets.

According to an embodiment, the foreign substance storage part 452 maybe disposed outside a shoe cabinet or may be included in the shoetreating apparatus 310. Also, the foreign substance storage part 452 maybe detachable from and attachable to the shoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may drive software tocontrol at least one element connected to the processor 470 on the basisof wired communication or wireless communication. Also, the processor470 may perform processing of various data and arithmetic operations onthe basis of the wired communication or the wireless communication.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may load a command or datareceived from the memory 434, the input part 431, the camera 432, thetreatment part 440, the display part 433, and the like to the memory 434to process the command or data and may store the processed data in thememory 434. Alternatively, the processor 470 may display the processeddata through the display part 433 (e.g., a touchscreen).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may have an artificialintelligence chip 471 (e.g., ThinQ™) embedded therein and an algorithmfor the artificial intelligence chip 471 may be implemented by theprocessor 470. The artificial intelligence chip is a processor imitatingthe neural network of the human brain and may support a deep learningalgorithm that analyzes, perceives, infers, and determines data byitself.

In this way, the shoe treating apparatus 310 (e.g., the processor 470)of the present invention may not only control the shoe treatingapparatus 310 by artificial intelligence but also receive informationacquired from at least one sensor disposed in a shoe cabinet andidentify the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe storedin the shoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect opening/closingof a door for at least one of the upper cabinet and the lower cabinetthrough at least one sensor (e.g., the door open/close sensor 412)included in the sensor part 410.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect a shoe storedin a storage space of each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lowercabinet 160 through at least one sensor (e.g., the distance measurementsensor 416 and/or the weight sensor 414) included in the sensor part 410and at least one camera 432 of the camera 432.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofopening of the door of each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lowercabinet 160 and detection of at least one shoe, control the electroniccomponent part 170 to operate each of the upper cabinet 150 and thelower cabinet 160 in a mode for shoe treatment.

For example, the processor 470 may operate the upper cabinet 150 in anormal treatment mode and operate the lower cabinet 160 in an intensivetreatment mode through the electronic component part 170. Alternatively,the processor 470 may operate the upper cabinet 150 in the normaltreatment mode or may operate the lower cabinet 160 in the intensivetreatment mode through the electronic component part 170.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify at least oneof the material, type, and condition of at least one shoe in the uppercabinet 150 through at least one sensor (e.g., the weight sensor 414,the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, the camera 432).

According to an embodiment, on the basis of at least one of thematerial, type, and condition of at least one shoe stored in each of theplurality of storage spaces in the upper cabinet 150, the processor 470may control at least one of the temperature and humidity inside theupper cabinet through the electronic component part 170.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of at least one of thematerial, type, and condition of at least one shoe disposed in each ofthe plurality of storage spaces included in the upper cabinet 150, theprocessor 470 may differently control at least one of the temperatureand humidity for each of the plurality of storage spaces through theelectronic component part 170 to normally treat the shoe.

The processor 470 may identify at least one of the material, type, andcondition of a shoe and, on the basis of the identification, acquireinformation on at least one of temperature and humidity from the memory434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may perform at least oneof a foreign substance removal function, a sanitizing and deodorizingfunction, a steaming and sanitizing function, a dehumidifying and dryingfunction, and a nourishing and water-repellent coating function for eachof the plurality of storage spaces through the electronic component part170 to intensively treat the shoe.

Also, the processor 470 may identify at least one of the material, type,and condition of a shoe and, on the basis of the identification, acquireinformation (e.g., execution logic, instructions, or the like) on atleast one of the foreign substance removal function, sanitizing anddeodorizing function, steaming and sanitizing function, dehumidifyingand drying function, and nourishing and water-repellent coating functionfrom the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may analyze an image orinformation of the shoe that is acquired through the camera 432 (e.g.,an RGB camera, a vision camera, an OCR, or the like) to identify atleast one of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify an image ofthe shoe and a tag attached to the shoe through the camera 432 toidentify the material (or type) or the size of the shoe. Examples of thematerial of the shoe may include fabric, genuine leather, syntheticleather, canvas material, suede material, cork material, and the like.The type of the shoe may vary according to various purposes, andexamples thereof may include, but are not limited to, heels, sneakers,slippers, hiking shoes, boots, running shoes, rain boots, soccer shoes,basketball shoes, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether theshoe is clean or foreign substances are adsorbed thereon through animage of the shoe and a tag attached to the shoe that are acquired bythe camera 432 (e.g., an RGB camera, a vision camera) and the sensorpart 410. Also, the processor 470 may identify a portion (e.g., thebottom) of the shoe where a large amount of foreign substances isadsorbed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may treat a shoe throughat least one of the treatment part 440 and the emitting part 420 on thebasis of at least one of the material, function, type, and condition ofthe shoe.

Under control of the processor 470, at least one of the treatment part440 and the emitting part 420 may execute at least one or some of afirst function (e.g., a foreign substance removal function) of removingforeign substances adsorbed onto the shoe, a second function (e.g., asanitizing and deodorizing function) of executing at least one ofsanitization and deodorization of the shoe, a third function (e.g., asteaming and sanitizing function) of executing at least one of steamingand sanitization of the shoe, a fourth function (e.g., a dehumidifyingand drying function) of executing at least one of dehumidification anddrying of the shoe, and a fifth function (e.g., a nourishing andwater-repellent coating function) of executing at least one ofnourishing and water-repellent coating of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may not perform at leastone of the first to fifth functions according to the material of theshoe. For example, in a case in which the material of the shoe isleather, the processor 470 may not perform the third function.Alternatively, in the case in which the material of the shoe is leather,the processor 470 may not perform a steaming function in the thirdfunction.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the airgenerating part 442 of the treatment part 440 to generate air to bedischarged to the shoe. Also, the processor 470 may control thedirection control part 436 and the discharge part 455 so that thegenerated air is discharged toward the shoe. In this way, the firstfunction of removing foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe may beperformed.

The processor 470 may control the direction control part 436 to adjust adischarge direction or angle of the one or more ducts 458, 459, and 460connected to the discharge part 455. The processor 470 may control thedirection control part 436 so that the discharge direction or angle ofthe one or more ducts 458, 459, and 460 is toward the inner side orupper of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the first function may include dischargingair to the inside of a shoe cabinet through the ducts 458, 459, and 460of a discharge tube disposed inside each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322,323, and 324. Also, the first function may include suctioning foreignsubstances dislodged due to the discharged air through at least onesuction tube (e.g., the fourth duct 461) disposed inside each of theshoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324.

Also, the first function may include an operation of causing foreignsubstances attached to the lower portion of the shoe to be dislodgedtherefrom through rolling of at least one rolling brush disposed at thelower portion of each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324 andsuctioning the foreign substances, which are dislodged from the lowerportion of the shoe, through at least one suction tube (e.g., the fourthduct 461).

According to an embodiment, the second function may include emitting UVlight through at least one light emitting element disposed inside eachof the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324. Alternatively, the secondfunction may include emitting at least one of a photocatalyst and adeodorizer through at least one emitting element (e.g., the UV lightemitting part 422, the photocatalyst emitting part 424, or the plasmaemitting part 426) disposed inside the shoe cabinet.

Also, the second function may include sanitizing and deodorizing a shoethrough a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., ten 3 mW LEDs). Byemitting UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma based on the secondfunction to the shoe, rapid sanitization treatment (e.g., sanitizationof airborne bacteria) may be possible for the shoe. Alternatively, thesecond function may include sanitizing and deodorizing a shoe throughnegative ions.

According to an embodiment, the third function may include dischargingsteam through the ducts 458, 459, and 460 of the discharge tube disposedinside each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324. The thirdfunction may include heating a liquid through the steam generating part444 (e.g., the LG TrueSteam™ system 311) of the shoe treating apparatus310 and spraying the steam due to the heated liquid through at least oneduct 458, 459, and 460 of the discharge tube disposed inside each of theshoe cabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324.

Also, the third function may include performing sanitization of variousbacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus) adsorbed onto the shoe through steam ata certain temperature (e.g., 50° C.). By spraying high-temperature steambased on the third function to the shoe, rapid sanitization treatmentmay be possible for the shoe, moisture of the shoe may be evaporated,and the shoe may be deodorized.

According to an embodiment, the fourth function may include discharginglow-temperature hot air through the at least one duct 458, 459, and 460of the discharge tube disposed inside each of the shoe cabinets 321,322, 323, and 324. The fourth function may include heating a liquid to acertain temperature (e.g., 40° C.) through the low-temperature hot airgenerating part 446 or the steam generating part 444 (e.g., the LGTrueSteam™ system 311) of the shoe treating apparatus 310 anddischarging the hot air due to the heated liquid through the ducts 458,459, and 460 of the discharge tube disposed inside each of the shoecabinets 321, 322, 323, and 324.

Also, the fourth function may include discharging the low-temperaturehot air to the shoe cabinet so that the humidity of the shoe cabinet ismaintained to be constant (to be about 20% to 40%). For example, thefourth function may include providing hot air so that the humidityinside the shoe cabinet is about 20% in a case in which the material ofthe shoe is fiber. For example, the fourth function may includeproviding hot air so that the humidity inside the shoe cabinet is about40% in a case in which the material of the shoe is leather.

According to an embodiment, the fifth function may include emitting atleast one of mist and air through the ducts 458, 459, and 460 of thedischarge tube disposed inside each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323,and 324.

Also, the fifth function may include mixing air introduced through thefirst duct 456 with a liquid that supplies nourishment to the shoe andspraying the mixture through the ducts 458, 459, and 460 of thedischarge tube disposed inside each of the shoe cabinets 321, 322, 323,and 324.

According to an embodiment, each of the first to fifth functions may beperformed for a predetermined amount of time (or a time input by a user)under control of the processor 470. For example, the first function maybe performed for about four minutes, the second function may beperformed for about three minutes, and the third function may beperformed for about ten minutes. Also, the fourth function may beperformed for about twenty minutes, and the fifth function may beperformed for about three minutes.

At least one of the time during which each function is performed and theorder of performing the functions may be variably automatically set ormay be operated under control of the processor 470 on the basis of atleast one of the material, function, type, and condition of a shoe.Also, the order of performing the functions may be an order in which thefirst function to the fifth function are performed in that order undercontrol of the processor 470. Also, at least two or more functions maybe simultaneously performed under control of the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control at least oneof the UV light emitting part 422, the photocatalyst emitting part 424,and the plasma emitting part 426 of the emitting part 420 to generatethe UV light, a photocatalyst, or plasma and direct it toward the shoe.Also, the processor 470 may allow the generated UV light, aphotocatalyst, or plasma to be discharged toward the shoe so that thesecond function of steaming and/or deodorizing the shoe is performed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the steamgenerating part 444 of the treatment part 440 to generate steam to bedirected toward the shoe. Also, the processor 470 may control thedirection control part 436 and the discharge part 455 to allow thegenerated steam to be discharged toward the shoe so that the thirdfunction of steaming and/or sanitizing the shoe is performed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the directioncontrol part 436 so that the discharge direction or angle of the one ormore ducts 458, 459, and 460 connected to the discharge part 455 istoward the inner side or upper of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the steamgenerating part 444 so that the temperature of the discharged steamreaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., 50° C.). The processor 470may control the steam generating part 444 to variably adjust the steamtemperature according to the material and type of the shoe so thatdamage to the material of the shoe is prevented.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the temperatureof air introduced through the first duct 456 through the low-temperaturehot air generating part 446 of the treatment part 440 to generatelow-temperature hot air. Also, the processor 470 may allow the generatedhot air to be discharged toward the shoe so that the fourth function ofdehumidifying and/or drying the shoe is performed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the directioncontrol part 436 to adjust the discharge direction or angle of the oneor more ducts 458, 459, and 460 connected to the discharge part 455.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control thelow-temperature hot air generating part 446 so that the temperature ofthe discharged hot air reaches a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40°C.). The processor 470 may control the low-temperature hot airgenerating part 446 to variably adjust the hot air temperature accordingto the material and type of the shoe so that damage to the material ofthe shoe is prevented.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the waterrepellent part 448 of the treatment part 440 to generate a sprayingliquid (e.g., mist) to be directed toward the shoe. Also, the processor470 may control the direction control part 436 and the discharge part455 to allow the generated spraying liquid to be discharged toward theshoe so that the fifth function of supplying nourishment to the shoeand/or treating the shoe to be water repellent is performed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the waterrepellent part 448 of the treatment part 440 to generate the sprayingliquid.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may control the direction control part436 so that the discharge direction or angle of the one or more ducts458, 459, and 460 is not toward the inner side of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may use at least onesensor to identify an approach of a user. The processor 470 may identifyan approach of a user toward the shoe treating apparatus 310 through atleast one sensor (e.g., the camera 432, the distance measurement sensor416, the IR sensor 419, or the like) disposed on the front surface ofthe shoe treating apparatus 310 (e.g., on the doors 110, 120, 130, and140).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may cause at least onelight emitting element (e.g., LED) disposed on at least one of theplurality of shelves of the upper cabinet 150 and/or at least one of theplurality of shelves of the lower cabinet 160 (e.g., disposed on thelower portion of the shelf) to emit light on the basis of the approachof the user. The processor 470 may adjust the brightness of the at leastone light emitting element on the basis of a distance between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user.

For example, the processor 470 may cause the at least one light emittingelement to emit more light as the distance between the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and the user becomes shorter and may cause the at leastone light emitting element to emit less light as the distance betweenthe shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user becomes longer.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may control the at least one lightemitting element so that the at least one light emitting element emitsdifferent colored lights on the basis of the distance between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate a controlsignal for adjusting tilting of at least one shelf included in the uppercabinet 150 on the basis of the approach of the user.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may generate a control signal foradjusting tilting of at least one shelf included in the lower cabinet160 on the basis of the approach of the user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the height ofthe user and, on the basis of the identified height of the user,generate a control signal for adjusting tilting of at least one shelf ofthe upper cabinet 150 or the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may acquire information ona tilt angle for each height stored in the memory 434 and, on the basisof the acquired information, generate a control signal for adjusting atilt angle of at least one shelf of the upper cabinet 150 or the lowercabinet 160. The processor 470 may adjust a tilt angle of each shelf onthe basis of the height of the user.

For example, the tilt angle of the at least one shelf may be larger whenthe height of the user is shorter, and the tilt angle of the at leastone shelf may be smaller when the height of the user is taller.

For example, a tilt angle of the highest shelf in the upper cabinet 150may be the largest. Also, the tilt angle of a shelf progressivelydecreases for shelves disposed below the highest shelf.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether atleast one of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 are open through at least one sensor (e.g., the dooropen/close sensor 412, the fingerprint sensor 418, and the knock-onsensor 417) and, on the basis of the opening of the door, stop anoperation of at least one shelf that is currently tilting.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify a userthrough at least one sensor (e.g., the camera 432, the distancemeasurement sensor 416, the fingerprint sensor 418, and the IR sensor419) and may identify a position on which at least one shoecorresponding to the identified user is placed on a shelf part (e.g., ashelf of the upper cabinet 150).

Also, the processor 470 may display at least part of conditioninformation of the at least one shoe corresponding to the identifiedposition and information on the identified position through the displaypart 433.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display stateinformation based on at least one of normal treatment on at least oneshoe stored in the upper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus 310and intensive treatment on at least one shoe stored in the lower cabinet160 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 through the display part 433.

According to an embodiment, the state information may includeinformation on a state of normally treating the at least one shoethrough adjusting at least one of the temperature and humidity insidethe upper cabinet 150, in which the at least one shoe is stored, on thebasis of at least one of the material, type, and condition of the atleast one shoe.

According to an embodiment, the state information may includeinformation on a state of intensively treating at least one shoe insidethe lower cabinet 160, in which the at least one shoe is stored, byusing at least one of the foreign substance removal function, sanitizingand deodorizing function, steaming and sanitizing function,dehumidifying and drying function, and nourishing and water-repellentcoating function on the basis of at least one of the material, type, andcondition of the at least one shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may acquire an image of atleast one shoe stored in the shelf part (e.g., a shelf of the uppercabinet 150) through the camera 432 and may compare the acquired imagewith an image pre-stored in the memory 434. Also, the processor 470 mayidentify a position at which the at least one shoe corresponding to theidentified user is placed. The memory 434 may store user information(e.g., name (for example, Gil-dong Hong etc.), relation (for example,father, mother, son, daughter, etc.), and height (for example, 170 cm,180 cm, etc.)) for each shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, when the acquiredimage matches an image pre-stored in the memory 434 as a result ofcomparing the two, acquire information on a user (e.g., owner) of theshoe corresponding to the acquired image.

Therefore, the processor 470 may identify a user of each shoe andidentify the position of a shoe placed on a shelf part (e.g., a shelf ofthe upper cabinet 150 or a shelf of the lower cabinet 160).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through an identifierallocated for each of the plurality of shelves in the shelf part (e.g.,the upper cabinet 150), identify the position at which at least one shoecorresponding to the identified user is placed. The identifier mayinclude information for distinguishing a shelf on which at least oneshoe of each of a plurality of users is placed.

The memory 434 may store an identifier for each shelf of the uppercabinet 150 and each shelf of the lower cabinet 160. Also, the processor470 may, through the identifier stored in the memory 434, identify theposition at which the at least one shoe corresponding to the identifieduser is placed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the user andidentify whether any one of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140 of the shoetreating apparatus 310 is opened. Also, when any one of the doors 110,120, 130, and 140 is identified as being opened, the processor 470 may,through at least one of the weight sensor 414, the camera 432, and thedistance measurement sensor 416 disposed inside the upper cabinet of theshoe treating apparatus 310, identify whether a shoe is stored. Also,when the shoe is identified as being stored, the processor 470 maydetermine that the stored shoe is a shoe corresponding to the user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, when a user isidentified, measure the height of the identified user and may acquire atilt angle of the at least one shelf corresponding to the measuredheight from the memory 434.

The memory 434 may include information on tilt angles of shelvesaccording to various heights. Table 1 below shows tilt angles accordingto the height of the user and the position of each shelf of the uppercabinet 150. For example, a first shelf is the highest shelf, a secondshelf is a shelf disposed below the first shelf, and a third shelf is ashelf disposed below the second shelf

TABLE 1 Upper cabinet 150 150 cm or less First shelf 45° Second shelf40° Third shelf 35° 151 cm to 160 cm First shelf 40° Second shelf 35°Third shelf 30° 161 cm to 170 cm First shelf 35° Second shelf 30° Thirdshelf 25° 171 cm to 180 cm First shelf 30° Second shelf 25° Third shelf20° 181 cm or more First shelf 25° Second shelf 20° Third shelf 15°

Table 1 above shows tilt angles of a plurality of shelves (e.g., thefirst shelf, the second shelf, and the third shelf) included in theupper cabinet 150, but this is only an embodiment, and tilt angles of aplurality of shelves included in the lower cabinet 160 may be stored inthe memory 434. Also, the heights and tilt angles of Table 1 above areonly an embodiment, and the memory 434 may include various other tiltangles according to the user height, spacing between shelves, and thesize, position, installation height, etc. of the shoe treating apparatus310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate a controlsignal on the basis of the acquired tilt angle of at least one shelfthat is stored in the memory 434 and, on the basis of the generatedcontrol signal, control tilting of each of the plurality of shelves(e.g., the first shelf, the second shelf, and the third shelf) includedin the upper cabinet 150.

According to an embodiment, the upper cabinet 150 may include, inaddition to the plurality of shelves (e.g., the first shelf, the secondshelf, and the third shelf), a shelf moving in the vertical direction(e.g., a fourth shelf).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through the motorpart 437, control the fourth shelf which is the lowest among theplurality of shelves (e.g., the first shelf, the second shelf, the thirdshelf, and the fourth shelf) included in the upper cabinet 150 to movein the vertical direction. Also, the processor 470 may, through themotor part 437, control at least one shelf disposed above the fourthshelf (e.g., the first shelf, the second shelf, and the third shelf) totilt.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may transmit a controlsignal to the motor part 437 to adjust the tilt speed of the at leastone shelf. The processor 470 may, through the motor part 437, controlthe tilting direction of each of the plurality of shelves to bedifferent from that of another shelf disposed above or below the shelf.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through at least onesensor, identify whether a door of the shoe treating apparatus 310 isopened and may, through the motor part 437, stop an operation of the atleast one shelf that is currently tilting on the basis of the opening ofthe door.

The processor 470 may, through the at least one sensor, identify whethera door of the shoe treating apparatus 310 is closed and may, on thebasis of the closing of the door, operate the upper cabinet 150 of theshoe treating apparatus 310 in the normal treatment mode again.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display a screen forsetting at least one tapping pattern for controlling the operation ofthe shoe treating apparatus 310 on the display part 433 of the shoetreating apparatus 310 or on one side of a door of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 (e.g., the left and right doors 110 and 120 of the uppercabinet 150, or the left and right doors 130 and 140 of the lowercabinet 160). For example, the display part 433 may be disposed on atransparent member (e.g., a smart mirror) of a door of the upper cabinet150 or on one side of the doors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of aninput of a tapping pattern through the doors 110 and 120 of the uppercabinet 150, control the smart mirror disposed on the door to becometransparent. A tapping pattern relating to the transparency of the smartmirror may be set or not set. For example, when a certain tap is inputonto the smart mirror, the processor 470 may control the smart mirror tobecome transparent.

According to an embodiment, the screen may include a menu for setting atleast one of opening of at least one of the doors 110 and 120 of theupper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus 310, locking of atleast one of the doors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150, andlighting control of at least one light emitting element disposed on atleast one shelf of the upper cabinet 150 or deleting settings.

Also, the screen may include a menu for setting at least one of openingof at least one of the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet 160 of theshoe treating apparatus 310, locking of at least one of the doors 130and 140 of the lower cabinet 160, lighting control of at least one lightemitting element disposed on at least one shelf of the lower cabinet160, and lighting control of at least one shelf on which a shoe isplaced for each user or deleting settings.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify at least onetapping pattern corresponding to at least one function of the shoetreating apparatus 310 through the sensor part 410 (e.g., the knock-onsensor 417).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through the sensorpart 410 (e.g., the knock-on sensor 417), identify time intervalsbetween taps of the tapping pattern and the intensity of each tap.

According to an embodiment, the sensor part 410 (e.g., the knock-onsensor 417) may include a microphone configured to detect a sound wavesignal due to the tapping pattern and convert the detected sound wavesignal to an electrical signal, an amplifier configured to amplify theconverted signal, and a filter configured to remove noise from theamplified signal.

Also, the sensor part 410 (e.g., the knock-on sensor 417) may include amicrocontroller (MiCom) configured to, on the basis of the signal fromwhich noise is removed, determine whether a tapping pattern has beeninput and configured to, when it is determined that the tapping patternhas been input, transmit time intervals between taps and the intensityof each tap according to the tapping pattern to the processor 470.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may match the tappingpattern to a function of the shoe treating apparatus 310. For example,the processor 470 may, when a tapping pattern is input after a functionto be set by a user is selected among a plurality of functions displayedon the screen, match the input tapping pattern to the selected function.The matching is to, for example, in a case in which a user wants tocontrol an operation of the shoe treating apparatus 310, allow the userto control the corresponding function by inputting a predeterminedtapping pattern.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may store the matchedresult (e.g., information on a function to be executed on the basis ofeach time interval and each intensity) in the memory 434. The processor470 may set a certain margin for each time interval and each intensity.The margin is a certain range of each time interval and a certain rangeof each intensity, and in a case in which the time interval and theintensity are included in the margin, the processor 470 may recognize aninput tapping pattern as a tapping pattern for executing thecorresponding function.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of aninput of a tapping pattern (e.g., a first tapping pattern) by tapping adoor of the shoe treating apparatus 310 (e.g., the left and right doors110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150 or the left and right doors 130 and140 of the lower cabinet 160), compare the input tapping pattern with atleast one tapping pattern matched and stored in the memory 434.

For example, the processor 470 may, through time intervals between tapsof a first tapping pattern and a sound wave intensity of each tap,identify a tapping pattern identical (or similar within a margin range)to the first tapping pattern among a plurality of tapping patternspre-stored in the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thefirst tapping pattern corresponds to a second tapping pattern among oneor more tapping patterns stored in the memory 434. Also, the processor470 may, when the input first tapping pattern corresponds to the secondtapping pattern, execute a function matched to the second tappingpattern (e.g., a function set in the second tapping pattern).

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 may, on the basis of tappingpatterns, store information on time intervals between taps of at leastone tapping pattern controlling an operation of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and information on the intensity of each tap.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether auser touches a handle of a door of the shoe treating apparatus. Theprocessor 470 may identify whether a user touches a handle of a door ofthe shoe treating apparatus through fingerprint information acquired bythe fingerprint sensor 418 which is disposed on inner sides of the doors110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus 310or disposed on inner sides of the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet160 of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may identify whether a user touches ahandle of a door of the shoe treating apparatus through at least onesensor of the sensor part 410.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust a strength ofsanitization, which uses at least one first light emitting element ofthe light emitting part 439, to be different for each user (e.g.,father, mother, son, daughter, etc.) touching a handle of the uppercabinet 150 or a handle of the lower cabinet 160.

For example, in a case in which a user touching a handle of the uppercabinet 150 or a handle of the lower cabinet 160 is a father whofrequently goes out, the processor 470 may adjust the strength ofsanitization using at least one first light emitting element of thelight emitting part 439 to “high” to sanitize the handle.

For example, in a case in which a user touching a handle of the uppercabinet 150 or a handle of the lower cabinet 160 is a mother who doesnot go out frequently, the processor 470 may adjust the strength ofsanitization using at least one first light emitting element of thelight emitting part 439 to “low” to sanitize the handle.

In this way, the processor 470 may adjust the strength of sanitizing ahandle on the basis of the degree of contamination of the user's hands,outgoing time, or the frequency of going out.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which a handle is currentlybeing sanitized, the processor 470 may cause at least one second lightemitting element of the light emitting part 439 to emit light toindicate that the handle is being sanitized. For example, the firstlight emitting element may include an LED, and the second light emittingelement may include a UVC LED.

For example, one or more first light emitting elements and one or moresecond light emitting elements may be alternately disposed on an innerside of a door of the upper cabinet of the shoe treating apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the lower cabinet 160 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may further include a reflective plate configured toreflect light emitted from the second light emitting element. Lightreflected through the reflective plate may be reflected to a handleportion of each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160 tosanitize the handle portion.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may store the number oftimes each user has touched a handle and a time window in which the userhas touched the handle in the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of the number of times eachuser has touched a handle and a time window in which the touch occurred,the processor 470 may display a notification message that induces handwashing for each user through the display part 433. The notificationmessage may include various pieces of information on contamination ofhands such as the importance of hand washing and a method of handwashing. The display part 433 may be disposed on the doors 110 and 120(e.g., smart mirrors 3510 and 3520) of the upper cabinet 150 or disposedon lower portions of the doors 110 and 120.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may set the strength ofsanitizing a handle (e.g., high, intermediate, low) on the basis of atleast some of the identified user, the number of times the user hastouched the handle, and a time window in which the user has touched thehandle. For example, in a case in which the current time reaches thetime window, the processor 470 may sanitize the handle on the basis ofthe set sanitization strength.

According to an embodiment, when it is identified through the sensorpart 410 that a shoe is stored in a state in which a shelf is folded,the processor 470 may identify the height of the shoe through a firstsensor disposed at the highest position inside the cabinet in which theshoe is stored and one or more second sensors sequentially disposedbelow the first sensor to acquire a distance value. A plurality ofsensors for measuring the height (or length) of a shoe may be verticallydisposed on an inner wall of a cabinet (e.g., each cabinet of the lowercabinet 160) of the shoe treating apparatus 310. The distance value mayinclude, for example, a value of a distance between a sensor and a shoeor a value of a distance between a sensor and an inner wall (e.g., asecond inner wall) that faces the above inner wall (e.g., a first innerwall).

For example, in a case in which a distance value acquired by the sensordisposed at the highest position (e.g., the first sensor) and a distancevalue acquired by the second sensor disposed right below the firstsensor are the same (e.g., the same within a range that ignores error),it can be seen that the height of a shoe is lower than the height atwhich the second sensor is disposed inside the cabinet.

For example, in a case in which a distance value acquired by a thirdsensor disposed right below the second sensor is less than the distancevalue acquired by the second sensor by a predetermined value (e.g., 5cm) or more, it can be seen that the height of a shoe is the same as (orsimilar to) the height at which the third sensor is disposed inside thecabinet.

In this way, the processor 470 may acquire distance values measured bythe first sensor and one or more second sensors vertically disposedbelow the first sensor and may identify one or more third sensors thatmeasured distance values different from the acquired distance values.

Also, the processor 470 may identify that the height of a sensordisposed at the highest position among the identified one or more thirdsensors is the height of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of a comparison between theheight of the identified shoe and a predetermined height, the processor470 may generate a control signal for controlling unfolding or foldingof a shelf in the cabinet in which the identified shoe is stored. Thepredetermined height may include a height from the bottom of a singleshoe cabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove.

According to an embodiment, the height from the bottom of the shoecabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove may vary according to manufactureof the shoe treating apparatus. For example, the height from the bottomof the shoe cabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove may be about 20 cm.Alternatively, the height from the bottom of the shoe cabinet to a shelfdisposed thereabove may be less than or greater than about 20 cm. Theheight may be variably adjusted.

For example, in a case in which the height of the identified shoe is notgreater than the predetermined height, the processor 470 may generate acontrol signal for controlling a motor physically connected to the shelfso that a shelf disposed above the cabinet in which the shoe is storedis unfolded.

For example, in a case in which the height of the identified shoe isgreater than the predetermined height, the processor 470 may not controlthe motor physically connected to the shelf so that the shelf disposedabove the cabinet in which the shoe is stored maintains a folded state.

In this way, in a case in which the height of the shoe is less than thepredetermined height, the processor 470 may generate a control signalfor controlling the corresponding motor so that the shelf is unfoldedand may transmit the generated control signal to the corresponding motorto control an operation so that the shelf is unfolded.

Alternatively, in a case in which the height of the shoe is not lessthan the predetermined height, the processor 470 may control thecorresponding motor so that the shelf maintains a folded state.

According to an embodiment, at least one shelf of a shoe cabinet (e.g.,the lower cabinet 160) of the shoe treating apparatus 310 may be formedin a structure that is folded or unfolded on the basis of the height ofa shoe. Also, portions where the shelf is folded may be connected toeach other through a hinge.

Also, in order to prevent at least part of air, steam, low-temperaturehot air, and water repellent from leaking through portions where the atleast one shelf is folded, rubber packing may be formed on the portions.Thus, in a case in which the shelf is unfolded, at least part of air,steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent may not leak.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofdetecting a shoe (or detecting the type of shoe) in a storage space(e.g., at least one storage space 4810 of the lower cabinet 160), rotatea rotatable duct part toward the inside of the detected shoe. Therotatable duct part may be disposed on an upper portion of each storagespace. Also, the rotatable duct part may be embedded in an upper portionof each storage space and may protrude by rotating toward the inside ofthe storage space.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofidentification of the type of shoe, determine whether to rotate therotatable duct part. The processor 470 may, on the basis of the type (orheight) of the identified shoe, determine whether to rotate therotatable duct part toward the inside of the storage space.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined on the basis of thetype (or height) of the identified shoe that the height of the shoe is afirst predetermined height or less, the processor 470 may rotate therotatable duct part. The first predetermined height may be a height atwhich the height of the shoe does not interfere with rotation of therotatable duct part.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which the height of the shoe isa second predetermined height or less, the processor 470 may rotate therotatable duct part and expand an expandable duct part formed in therotatable duct part toward the inside of the shoe. The secondpredetermined height may be the same as or less than the firstpredetermined height.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which, on the basis of the type(or height) of the identified shoe, the height of the shoe exceeds thefirst predetermined height, the processor 470 may not rotate therotatable duct part.

For example, in a case in which, when the height of the storage space is50 cm and the length of the rotatable duct part is 10 cm, the height ofthe identified shoe is greater than a first predetermined height (e.g.,a height obtained by subtracting the length of the rotatable duct partfrom the height of the storage space (e.g., 40 cm)), the processor 470may not rotate the rotatable duct part. Also, the processor 470 may,through the display part 433, display information indicating that theshoe has a height that makes it impossible to treat the shoe.

For example, the values of the height of the storage space, the heightof the shoe, the first predetermined height, and the secondpredetermined height are only an embodiment, and the present inventionmay also be applied to storage spaces and shoes having various otherheight values.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part may be connected tothe rotatable duct part (e.g., a lower portion of the rotatable ductpart) and may extend downward (or toward the inside of the shoe) fromthe rotatable duct part which is rotated toward the inside of thestorage space (or the inside of the shoe).

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part may include asecond duct connected to a first duct formed in the rotatable duct part.For example, the first duct and the second duct may constitute a singleduct. The first duct and the second duct may be formed in the rotatableduct part and the expandable duct part to discharge at least part ofair, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, which areintroduced through the first duct, to the inside of the shoe through thesecond duct.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part may be formed toinclude an upper duct part, a variable duct part which is connected to alower side of the upper duct part and has a shape that may be changed byan external force, and a lower duct part which is connected to a lowerside of the variable duct part and has a roller brush disposed on alower portion. The upper duct part and the lower duct part may becoupled through the variable duct part whose shape may be changed by anexternal force.

Also, a roller for reducing friction against the bottom of a shoe may bedisposed on the lower portion of the lower duct part. For example, in acase in which the expandable duct part expands toward the inside of ashoe, the lower portion of the lower duct part may come in contact withthe bottom of the shoe.

In this state, in a case in which the expandable duct part continues toexpand to the inside of the shoe, due to the roller disposed at thelower portion of the lower duct part and the variable duct part, anexpanding direction of the lower duct part may be a direction differentfrom an expanding direction of the upper duct part.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control a motor in therotatable duct part to allow the expandable duct part to repeatedlyperform expansion to the outside of the rotatable duct part andinsertion into the rotatable duct part on the basis of the height of ashoe in the storage space. The processor 470 may allow the expandableduct part to repeatedly perform the expansion and insertion during ashoe treatment process to thoroughly treat the inside of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, when the identified shoe is determined as atype having a height greater than a predetermined height (e.g., boots,rain boots, or the like), the processor 470 may control the motor in therotatable duct part to allow the expandable duct part to repeatedlyperform expansion to the outside of the rotatable duct part andinsertion into the rotatable duct part.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control treatment onthe detected shoe through the rotatable duct part which is rotatedtoward the inside of the detected shoe. The processor 470 may dischargeat least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent, which are generated in the treatment part 440, to the insideof the shoe through a duct in the rotatable duct part to treat theinside of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may treat the inside ofthe shoe through at least one light emitting element disposed on a lowerportion of the rotatable duct part. The light emitting element mayinclude a UVC LED. The light emitting element may be disposed on thelower portion of the rotatable duct part.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whethertreatment (e.g., intensive treatment) on the shoe has ended. Also, onthe basis of an end of treatment on the detected shoe, the processor 470may control the motor in the rotatable duct part to rotate the rotatableduct part toward an upper portion of the storage space. The processor470 may embed the rotatable duct part in the upper portion of thestorage space so that the shoe returns to a state before the shoe isdetected.

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part may be the ducts458, 459, and 460 of FIG. 4.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of thematerial, type, and condition of the shoe, set the rotational speed,operation time, and rotational direction of one or more rolling brushesof a rolling brush module 6300 disposed on the lower portion of thestorage space and may operate the one or more rolling brushes on thebasis of the set rotational speed, operation time, and rotationaldirection.

According to an embodiment, the rolling brush module 6300 may bedetached from or attached to the shoe treating apparatus 310 (e.g., thelower cabinet 160).

According to an embodiment, the rolling brush module 6300 may include awireless charging module configured to wirelessly receive power, abattery configured to store the received power, a holder coupled to therolling brush module 6300 to prevent falling of a shoe due to anoperation of a rolling brush, and a tray detachably mounted on a lowerportion of the rolling brush module 6300 to store foreign substancesthat are dislodged from the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the rolling brush may include at least onebrush configured to remove foreign substances adsorbed onto the lowerportion of a shoe, a brush body configured to fix the at least onebrush, at least one light emitting element coupled to the brush body tosanitize the lower portion of the shoe, a motor configured to rotate therolling brush, and a vibrator configured to vibrate the rolling brush.

The rolling brush module 6300 will be described in detail below withreference to FIGS. 63, 64, and 65.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of thematerial (e.g., leather, fabric, rubber, or the like), type (e.g.,sneakers, heels, or the like), and condition (e.g., cleanliness) of ashoe, set the rotational speed (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)),operation time (e.g., ten minutes), and rotational direction (e.g.,clockwise/counterclockwise rotation) of the one or more rolling brushes.

Also, the processor 470 may operate the one or more rolling brushes onthe basis of the set rotational speed, operation time, and rotationaldirection.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of theposition of the identified shoe, rotate the one or more rolling brushesin the same direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) so that theidentified shoe is moved to a position (e.g., a position at which atleast part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellentare discharged from a discharge tube) that corresponds to the positionof the discharge tube (e.g., the ducts 458, 459, and 460) formed in thestorage space.

Also, when the shoe is moved to the position (e.g., the position atwhich at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent are discharged from the discharge tube) that corresponds tothe position of the discharge tube (e.g., the ducts 458, 459, and 460),the processor 470 may stop rotation of the one or more rolling brushes.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which the amount of foreignsubstances adsorbed onto a shoe (e.g., the bottom of the shoe) is large,the processor 470 may set the operation time of the one or more rollingbrushes as a first time (e.g., ten minutes).

For example, in a case in which the amount of foreign substancesadsorbed onto a shoe (e.g., the bottom of the shoe) is not large, theprocessor 470 may set the operation time of the one or more rollingbrushes as a second time (e.g., five minutes) which is less than thefirst time (e.g., ten minutes). The time may be variably adjustedaccording to the amount of foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe,the material of the shoe, and the type of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, through the weight of a shoe acquiredthrough at least one weight sensor 414, the processor 470 may identifyone or more rolling brushes on which the shoe is placed.

Also, the processor 470 may operate a motor (e.g., a motor of the motorpart 437) coupled to each of the identified one or more rolling brushesto cause the rolling brush to rotate (e.g., clockwise and/orcounterclockwise).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may rotate the rollingbrush (e.g., a first rolling brush) in a direction (e.g.,counterclockwise) that is opposite to a rotational direction (e.g.,clockwise) of another rolling brush (e.g., a second rolling brush)adjacent to the rolling brush (e.g., the first rolling brush).

For example, the processor 470 may rotate the first rolling brushclockwise and rotate the second rolling brush, which is adjacent to thefirst rolling brush, counterclockwise. Also, the processor 470 mayrotate a third rolling brush, which is adjacent to the second rollingbrush, clockwise. In this way, the processor 470 may rotate a rollingbrush in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of other rollingbrushes adjacent to the rolling brush.

According to an embodiment, in a state in which the one or more rollingbrushes are rotating or not rotating, the processor 470 may vibrate atleast one vibrator disposed at one side of the rolling brush module 6300to vibrate the one or more rolling brushes.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may treat a shoe on thebasis of at least one of the first to fifth functions during anoperation time which is set according to the condition, type, andmaterial of the shoe. Also, when the set operation time has elapsed, theprocessor 470 may rotate the corresponding rolling brush through themotor coupled to each rolling brush and may cause at least one lightemitting element disposed in the rolling brush (e.g., a rolling body) toemit light to sanitize the bottom of the shoe.

Hereinafter, shoe treatment of the shoe treating apparatus 310 will bedescribed.

[Shoe Treatment]

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of intensively treating ashoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is anexemplary view illustrating a storage space of a lower cabinet accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of intensively treating a shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify whether a door of an intensive treatmentcabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160) is opened and/or whether a shoe ispresent in the lower cabinet 160 (S510). The processor 470 may receive asignal according to whether the door is opened or closed from the dooropen/close sensor 412 and may detect whether the door is opened orclosed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through at least oneof the camera 432 (e.g., an RGB camera, a vision camera) and the weightsensor 414 disposed on the lower portion of the lower cabinet 160,identify whether a shoe is present in the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe in the lowercabinet 160 (S512). The processor 470 may identify at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe in the lower cabinet160 through at least one of the sensor part 410 and the camera 432. Theweight sensor 414 may be disposed at the center of the bottom of thelower cabinet 160.

For example, for a shoe made of a genuine leather material (e.g.,leather, suede), it is important that the shoe does not become wet andthe humidity of the shoe is maintained at 40%. Therefore, preferably, ashoe made of a genuine leather material should be stored in awell-ventilated place that absorbs foot sweat well.

Preferably, a shoe made of a genuine leather material should be dustedusing a brush or an air brush and should be hydrated and maintained inthat state. Also, preferably, a shoe made of a genuine leather materialshould be managed at a certain temperature (e.g., 45° C.) or below.

For example, for a shoe made of a synthetic leather material (e.g.,general fiber), care should be taken since adhesion may be weakened dueto a high temperature, and it is preferable that the shoe is stored at acertain temperature (e.g., 60° C.) or below.

For example, for a shoe made of a functional material (e.g., hikingshoes, running shoes, soccer shoes, and the like), care should be takensince adhesion may be weakened due to a high temperature, and it ispreferable that the shoe is stored at a certain temperature (e.g., 45°C.) or below.

According to an embodiment, the memory 434 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 stores data relating to the temperature, humidity, degreeof ventilation, and the like according to the material, function, type,and condition of the shoe. Also, the processor 470 may acquire thecorresponding data according to the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe from the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may intensively treat theshoe on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe (S514). The processor 470 may intensively treatthe shoe (e.g., perform at least one or some of foreign substanceremoval, sanitization/deodorization, steaming/sanitization,dehumidification/drying, and nourishing/water-repellent coating) throughat least one element of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute at least oneof the first function of removing foreign substances adsorbed onto theshoe, the second function of executing at least one of sanitization anddeodorization of the shoe, the third function of executing at least oneof steaming and sanitization of the shoe, the fourth function ofexecuting at least one of dehumidification and drying of the shoe, andthe fifth function of executing at least one of nourishing andwater-repellent coating of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may perform the first tofifth functions for a predetermined amount of time (about fortyminutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the directioncontrol part 436 and the discharge part 455 to allow air to bedischarged toward a shoe 610 through one or more ventilation parts 620,630, 640, and 650. In this way, the first function of removing foreignsubstances adsorbed onto the shoe may be performed. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, air, steam, or the like discharged throughthe one or more ducts 458, 459, and 460 connected to the discharge part455 is sprayed toward the shoe 610 through the one or more ventilationparts 620, 630, 640, and 650.

According to an embodiment, through the one or more ventilation parts620, 630, 640, and 650, at least one of air, steam, and liquid fortreating the shoe may be discharged, or foreign substances due to a shoein the lower cabinet 160 may be suctioned. The ventilation part may bedisposed at an arbitrary position in the lower cabinet 160. Also, theone or more ventilation parts 620, 630, 640, and 650 may be connected toat least one of the ducts 461, 458, 459, and 460.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may emit at least one of aphotocatalyst and a deodorizer through at least one emitting element(e.g., the UV light emitting part 422, the photocatalyst emitting part424, the plasma emitting part 426) disposed inside the lower cabinet 160to perform the second function of sanitizing and/or deodorizing theshoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may perform the thirdfunction of discharging steam through a duct of the discharge tubedisposed inside the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may perform the fourthfunction of discharging low-temperature hot air through a duct of thedischarge tube disposed inside the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may perform the fifthfunction of emitting at least one of mist and air through a duct of thedischarge tube disposed inside the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may sequentially performthe functions or simultaneously perform at least two or more functions.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of normally treating a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is anexemplary view of an upper cabinet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating an air flowin a plurality of storage spaces of the upper cabinet according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of normally treating a shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify whether a door of a normal treatment cabinet(e.g., the upper cabinet 150) is opened (or opening) and/or whether ashoe is present in the upper cabinet 150 (S710). The process (S710) mayinclude at least one function or operation performed in FIG. 5 (e.g.,the process (S510)).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe in the uppercabinet 150 (S712). The process (S712) may include at least one functionor operation performed in FIG. 5 (e.g., the process (S512)).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may normally treat theshoe on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe (S714). The processor 470 may normally treat theshoe (e.g., adjust at least one of the temperature and humidity) throughat least one element (e.g., the steam generating part 444, thelow-temperature hot air generating part 446) of the shoe treatingapparatus 310.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may normally treat a shoe in the uppercabinet 150 through at least one of the UV light emitting part 422, thephotocatalyst emitting part 424, and the plasma emitting part 426.

Referring to FIG. 8, the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may have both doors 110 and 120 formed of atransparent material (e.g., tempered glass, transparent plastic). Also,the upper cabinet 150 may be formed of multiple layers through aplurality of shelves 810, 820, and 830. Also, storage spaces 811 and 812may be formed by the plurality of shelves 810, 820, and 830.

According to an embodiment, a display part 840 (or the display part 433of FIG. 4) for an operational state of the upper cabinet 150 andoperation control thereof may be disposed at one side of the uppercabinet 150. The display part 840 may be disposed at one side of one ofthe upper cabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160, and may display anoperational state of the upper cabinet 150 or the lower cabinet 160 andoperation control thereof.

Referring to FIG. 9, the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may be formed of a plurality of storage spaces151, and each of the plurality of storage spaces 151 may be sealed fromeach other to be airtight or may not be sealed to allow ventilation.

According to an embodiment, a discharge part 920 (or the discharge part455 of FIG. 4) formed in a storage space disposed on the lower portionof the upper cabinet 150 may discharge air 921 upward. The air 921discharged upward may flow upward along a wall of the upper cabinet 150and be introduced into each storage space. Alternatively, a portion 922of the air 921 discharged upward may be introduced into a storage spacedisposed at a lower portion.

According to an embodiment, a discharge part 910 (or the discharge part455 of FIG. 4) formed in a storage space disposed on an intermediateportion of the upper cabinet 150 may discharge air 911 upward. The air911 discharged upward may flow upward along a wall of a shelf and besuctioned into the discharge part 910 (or the suction part 454 of FIG.4). The discharge part 910 may perform both discharge and suction ofair.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of removing foreignsubstances from a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 11A is a first exemplary view of removing foreignsubstances from a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 11B is a second exemplary view of removing foreignsubstances from a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Hereinafter, the process of removing foreign substances from a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of shoes in the shoe cabinets 150 and 160 (S1010). Theprocessor 470 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of a shoe in the shoe cabinet 320 through at least one ofthe sensor part 410 and the camera 432.

According to an embodiment, the process (S1010) may include at least oneoperation or function of the processes (S510 and S512) of FIG. 5.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether adegree of contamination of a shoe 1150 is a predetermined value or more(S1012). The processor 470 may, on the basis of at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1150 identified bythe process (S1010), identify whether the degree of contamination of theshoe 1150 is the predetermined value or more.

For example, in a case in which the degree of contamination of the shoe1150 is less than the predetermined value, the processor 470 may notperform a function of removing foreign substances attached to the shoe1150. Alternatively, the processor 470 may perform the function ofremoving foreign substances attached to the shoe 1150 even in the casein which the degree of contamination of the shoe 1150 is less than thepredetermined value.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a foreignsubstance removal function based on angle adjustment of at least onedischarge port and operation time of an air brush (S1014). The processor470 may, when the degree of contamination of the shoe 1150 is determinedas being the predetermined value or more, adjust an angle of one or moredischarge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310.

Also, the processor 470 may control the air generating part 442 of theshoe treating apparatus 310 to generate air and may discharge thegenerated air through the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113,and 1114.

The strength of the discharged air may be proportional to the rotationalspeed of one or more fans (or propellers) 1121 and 1122. The processor470 may control the rotational speed of the one or more fans (orpropellers) 1121 and 1122 to discharge air through the one or moredischarge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114.

According to an embodiment, foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe1150 may be removed from the shoe 1150 by the air discharged through theone or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114. Also, theforeign substances removed from the shoe 1150 may be suctioned throughone or more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144. The processor 470may control the strength of suction force of the one or more suctionports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144 to be proportional to the strength ofair discharged through the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113,and 1114.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may control the strength of suctionforce so that the suction force of the one or more suction ports 1141,1142, 1143, and 1144 is greater than the strength of air dischargedthrough the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114. Thepositions of the one or more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144may be variably changed inside a shoe cabinet 1110.

According to an embodiment, foreign substances suctioned through the oneor more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144 may be filtered bypassing through the filter part 453 of the shoe treating apparatus 310,and the foreign substances filtered by the filter part 453 may be storedin the foreign substance storage part 452.

Also, air that has passed through the filter part 453 may be deliveredto at least one of the air generating part 442, the steam generatingpart 444, the low-temperature hot air generating part 446, and the waterrepellent part 448 through the first duct 456.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may operate a rollingbrush and suction foreign substances (S1016). One or more rollingbrushes 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, and 1140may be provided on a lower portion of at least one shoe cabinet 1110.

Also, the rolling brushes may be connected to a worm gear so as torotate while being engaged with each other. A worm gear may be disposedbetween the rolling brushes.

According to an embodiment, a worm gear may not be disposed between therolling brushes, and the rolling brushes may independently rotatethrough a motor.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the condition(e.g., the degree of contamination, foreign substance adsorption state,or the like) of the shoe 1150 in the shoe cabinet 1110. The processor470 may operate the one or more rolling brushes 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134,1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, and 1140 on the basis of the condition ofthe shoe 1150.

Also, the processor 470 may, on the basis of the operation of the one ormore rolling brushes, control the suction part 454 to suction theforeign substances dislodged from the shoe 1150 through the one or moresuction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the one ormore rolling brushes 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138,1139, and 1140 that correspond to the position or size of the shoe 1150and may control the rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) of theidentified one or more rolling brushes. The one or more rolling brushesmay rotate in the same direction (e.g., counterclockwise) due to a wormgear disposed therebetween.

The processor 470 may adjust the position of the shoe 1150 to correspondto the direction of the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113,and 1114. Alternatively, the processor 470 may adjust the direction orangle of the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114 tocorrespond to the position of the shoe 1150.

When the degree of contamination of the shoe is determined as being thepredetermined value or more in the process (S1012), the processor 470may simultaneously perform the processes (S1014 and S1016).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may discharge and suctionair for a predetermined amount of time on the basis of at least one ofthe material, function, type, and condition of the shoe in order tosuction foreign substances therefrom (S1018). The processor 470 mayidentify at least one of the material, function, type, and condition ofthe shoe in the shoe cabinet 320 through at least one of the sensor part410 and the camera 432 of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the timeduring which air is discharged and suctioned on the basis of at leastone of the material, function, type, and condition of the identifiedshoe. The time may be set to different amounts of time according to atleast one of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe.

When at least one of the material, function, type, and condition of theshoe is identified, the processor 470 may identify a predeterminedamount of time according thereto.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may discharge air throughthe one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114 for apredetermined amount of time to remove foreign substances from the shoe1150.

Also, the processor 470 may suction the foreign substances, which areseparated from the shoe 1150 through the discharged air, through the oneor more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144. The processor 470 maydischarge air and then suction the discharged air to execute the firstfunction of removing foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe 1150.

According to an embodiment, the first function may include an operationof causing foreign substances attached to the lower portion of the shoe1150 to be dislodged through rolling of one or more rolling brushesdisposed on the lower portion of the shoe cabinet 1110 and suctioningthe foreign substances dislodged from the lower portion of the shoe 1150through the one or more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144.

Also, the first function may include an operation of discharging airthrough the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114disposed inside the shoe cabinet 1110 and suctioning the foreignsubstances dislodged from the shoe 1150 due to the discharged airthrough the one or more suction ports 1141, 1142, 1143, and 1144.

The angle or direction of the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112,1113, and 1114 may be adjusted through the processor 470 on the basis ofthe position or direction of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, while the air isbeing discharged through the one or more discharge ports 1111, 1112,1113, and 1114, acquire an image showing the condition of the shoe 1150through the camera 432 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 at least onetime.

While the air is being discharged through the one or more dischargeports 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofthe acquired image, adjust the angle of the one or more discharge ports1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114 toward a portion where a large amount offoreign substances is present.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S1020). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether the time during which the processes(S1014, S1016, and S1018) are performed has exceeded the predeterminedamount of time.

The predetermined amount of time may be determined as different amountsof time according to at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1150. Alternatively, the predetermined amount oftime may be adjusted on the basis of a user input.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe (S1022). In a case in which the total time during which theprocesses (S1014, S1016, and S1018) are performed has exceeded thepredetermined amount of time, the processor 470 may identify thecondition of the shoe 1150 on the basis of the operation (S1010).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe 1150 on the basis of the operation (S1010) at predeterminedtime intervals.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe is the predetermined value or more(S1024). When the degree of contamination of the shoe 1150 is determinedas being the predetermined value or more, the processor 470 may, asdescribed above in relation to the process (S1018), discharge andsuction air for a predetermined amount of time on the basis of at leastone of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1150.

Also, the processor 470 may suction the foreign substances dislodgedfrom the shoe 1150 due to the discharge of air through the suction part454.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may end the foreignsubstance removal function (S1026). When the degree of contamination ofthe shoe 1150 is identified as not exceeding the predetermined value inthe process (S1024), the processor 470 may end the foreign substanceremoval function.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display information onthe operation, result, or the like of each process illustrated in FIG.10 through the display part 433 of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of sanitizing anddeodorizing a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 13A is a first exemplary view of sanitizing and deodorizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is asecond exemplary view of sanitizing and deodorizing a shoe according toan embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of sanitizing and deodorizing a shoe accordingto an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of a shoe 1320 (S1210). The process (S1210) may include atleast one operation or function of the process (S1010) of FIG. 10. Also,the process (S1210) may include at least one operation or function ofthe processes (S710 and S712) of FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe 1320 is a predetermined value ormore (S1212). The process (S1212) may include at least one operation orfunction of the process (S1012) of FIG. 10.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust an angle of atleast one emitting part for emitting at least one of UV light, aphotocatalyst, and plasma (S1214). In a case in which the degree ofcontamination of the identified shoe 1320 is the predetermined value ormore, the processor 470 may adjust an angle of one or more emittingparts 1311, 1312, and 1313 for emitting at least one of UV light, aphotocatalyst, and plasma.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may adjust the angle of the one or moreemitting parts 1311, 1312, and 1313 so that at least one of the UVlight, a photocatalyst, and plasma is first emitted to a portion wherethe degree of contamination of the shoe 1320 is high.

According to an embodiment, the one or more emitting parts 1311, 1312,and 1313 may be disposed on at least one of a left surface, a rightsurface, a front surface, a rear surface, an upper surface, and a lowersurface inside a shoe cabinet 1310.

According to an embodiment, in a state of being disposed on an innerwall of the shoe cabinet 1310, the one or more emitting parts 1311,1312, and 1313 may emit at least one of the UV light, a photocatalyst,and plasma generated by at least one of the UV light emitting part 422,the photocatalyst emitting part 424, and the plasma emitting part 426 ofthe emitting part 420.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may emit at least one ofthe UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma for a predetermined amount oftime on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe (S1216). The processor 470 may emit at least oneof the UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma to the shoe for apredetermined amount of time to start the function of sanitizing anddeodorizing the shoe. The predetermined amount of time (e.g., threeminutes) may be variably adjusted.

The processor 470 may emit at least one of the UV light, aphotocatalyst, and plasma to the inner side, outer side, and bottom ofthe shoe for a predetermined amount of time on the basis of at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, a first emitting part 1311 among theplurality of emitting parts 1311, 1312, and 1313 disposed on the innerwall of the shoe cabinet 1310 may be disposed to face the front of theshoe 1320, and a second emitting part 1312 among the plurality ofemitting parts 1311, 1312, and 1313 may be disposed to face the insideof the shoe 1320. Also, a third emitting part 1313 among the pluralityof emitting parts 1311, 1312, and 1313 may be disposed to face thebottom of the shoe 1320 at the lower portion of the shoe cabinet 1310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the timeduring which at least one of the UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasmais emitted on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of the shoe 1320. The time may be set to different amountsof time according to at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1320.

When at least one of the material, function, type, and condition of theshoe 1320 is identified, the processor 470 may identify a predeterminedamount of time according thereto.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S1218). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether the time during which the process(S1216) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount of time. Thepredetermined amount of time may be determined as different amounts oftime according to at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1320. Alternatively, the predetermined amount oftime may be adjusted on the basis of a user input.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe (S1220). In a case in which the total time during which theprocess (S1216) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount oftime (e.g., three minutes), the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe 1320 on the basis of the operation (S1210). The processor470 may identify the condition of the shoe 1320 on the basis of theoperation (S1210) at predetermined time intervals.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe is the predetermined value or more(S1222). When the degree of contamination of the shoe 1320 is determinedas being the predetermined value or more, the processor 470 may, asdescribed above in relation to the process (S1216), emit at least one ofthe UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma for a predetermined amount oftime on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1320 to sanitize and deodorize the shoe 1320.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may end the sanitizing anddeodorizing function (S1224). When the degree of contamination of theshoe 1320 is identified as not exceeding the predetermined value in theprocess (S1222), the processor 470 may end the sanitizing anddeodorizing function.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of steaming and sanitizinga shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is afirst exemplary view of steaming and sanitizing a shoe according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of steaming and sanitizing a shoe according toan embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of a shoe 1520 (S1410). The process (S1410) may include anoperation or function in at least one of the process (S1010) of FIG. 10and the process (S1210) of FIG. 12. Also, the process (S1410) mayinclude at least one operation or function of the processes (S710 andS712) of FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe 1520 is a predetermined value ormore (S1412). The process (S1412) may include at least one operation orfunction of the process (S1012) of FIG. 10 and the process (S1212) ofFIG. 12.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust an angle of atleast one discharge port for steaming and sanitizing (S1414). In a casein which the degree of contamination of the shoe 1520 is thepredetermined value or more, the processor 470 may adjust an angle ofone or more discharge ports 1511 and 1512 for emitting steam through thesteam generating part 444 of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

The processor 470 may adjust the angle of the one or more dischargeports 1511 and 1512 so that steam is first emitted to a portion wherethe degree of contamination of the shoe 1520 is high.

According to an embodiment, the one or more discharge ports 1511 and1512 may be disposed on at least one of a left surface, a right surface,a front surface, a rear surface, an upper surface, and a lower surfaceinside a shoe cabinet 1510.

According to an embodiment, in a state of being disposed on an innerwall of the shoe cabinet 1510, the one or more discharge ports 1511 and1512 may emit steam generated by the steam generating part 444 towardthe shoe 1520. According to an embodiment, the steam may also bedischarged through a discharge port through which air is discharged.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute the steamingand sanitizing function for a predetermined amount of time on the basisof at least one of the material, function, type, and condition of theshoe (S1416). The processor 470 may emit steam to the shoe 1520 for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., ten minutes) to start steaming andsanitization of the shoe 1520. The predetermined amount of time (e.g.,ten minutes) may be variably adjusted.

The processor 470 may emit steam to at least one of the inner side,outer side, and bottom of the shoe 1520 for a predetermined amount oftime on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1520. The temperature of the emitted steam may bea predetermined temperature (e.g., 50° C.) or lower. The steamtemperature (e.g., 50° C.) may be a suitable temperature that does notcause damage to the material of the shoe 1520.

According to an embodiment, a first discharge port 1511 among theplurality of discharge ports 1511 and 1512 disposed on the inner wall ofthe shoe cabinet 1510 may be disposed to face the inside of the shoe1520. Also, a second discharge port 1512 among the plurality ofdischarge ports 1511 and 1512 may be disposed to face the front of theshoe 1520.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the timeduring which steam is emitted on the basis of at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1520. The time maybe set to different amounts of time according to at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1520. When at leastone of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1520 isidentified, the processor 470 may identify a predetermined amount oftime according thereto.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S1418). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether the time during which the process(S1416) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount of time(e.g., ten minutes). The predetermined amount of time may be determinedas different amounts of time according to at least one of the material,function, type, and condition of the shoe 1520. Alternatively, thepredetermined amount of time may be adjusted on the basis of a userinput.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe (S1420). In a case in which the total time during which theprocess (S1416) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount oftime (e.g., ten minutes), the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe 1520 on the basis of the operation (S1410). According to anembodiment, the processor 470 may identify the condition of the shoe1520 on the basis of the operation (S1410) at predetermined timeintervals.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe is the predetermined value or more(S1422). When the degree of contamination of the shoe 1520 is determinedas being the predetermined value or more, the processor 470 may, asdescribed above in relation to the process (S1416), emit steam for apredetermined amount of time on the basis of at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1520 to steam andsanitize the shoe 1520.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may end the steaming andsanitizing function (S1424). When the degree of contamination of theshoe 1520 is identified as not exceeding the predetermined value in theprocess (S1422), the processor 470 may end the steaming and sanitizingfunction.

FIG. 16 is a second exemplary view of steaming and sanitizing a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, a cabinet 320 may include a plurality of shoecabinets 1611, 1612, 1613, and 1614. A first partition member 1660 maybe disposed in a first shoe cabinet 1611 and a second shoe cabinet 1612among the plurality of shoe cabinets 1611, 1612, 1613, and 1614. Thefirst partition member 1660 may include plastic or glass made of atransparent material.

According to an embodiment, a second partition member 1650 may bedisposed between the first shoe cabinet 1611 and the second shoe cabinet1612, which is disposed below the first shoe cabinet 1611, among theplurality of shoe cabinets 1611, 1612, 1613, and 1614. The secondpartition member 1650 may move upward or downward according to the sizeof a shoe 1620.

According to an embodiment, a display part configured to display variouspieces of information on an operational state of any one of the firstshoe cabinet 1611 and the second shoe cabinet 1612 may be disposed atone side (e.g., a front surface) of the second partition member 1650.

According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of shoe cabinets 1611,1612, 1613, and 1614 may include at least one ventilation part 1630through which steam is emitted. The steam discharged through the atleast one ventilation part 1630 may be suctioned through a suction part1640.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of dehumidifying anddrying a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.18 is an exemplary view of dehumidifying and drying a shoe according toan embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of a shoe 1820 (S1710). The process (S1710) may include anoperation or function in at least one of the process (S1010) of FIG. 10,the process (S1210) of FIG. 12, and the process (S1410) of FIG. 14.Also, the process (S1710) may include at least one operation or functionof the processes (S710 and S712) of FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust an angle of atleast one discharge port for at least one of dehumidification and drying(S1712). The processor 470 may identify the material, function, type,and condition of the shoe 1820 and then adjust an emission angle of oneor more discharge ports 1811 and 1812 for emitting low-temperature hotair through the low-temperature hot air generating part 446 of the shoetreating apparatus 310. The processor 470 may adjust the angle of theone or more discharge ports 1811 and 1812 so that low-temperature hotair is first emitted to a portion of the shoe 1820 wheredehumidification or drying is required.

According to an embodiment, in a state of being disposed on an innerwall of a shoe cabinet 1810, the one or more discharge ports 1811 and1812 may emit hot air generated by the low-temperature hot airgenerating part 446 toward the shoe 1820.

According to an embodiment, the hot air may also be discharged through adischarge port through which air is discharged or a discharge portthrough which steam is discharged. A duct through which the hot airpasses may be dried due to the hot air.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute thedehumidifying and drying function for a predetermined amount of time onthe basis of at least one of the material, type, and condition of theshoe 1820 (S1714). The processor 470 may emit low-temperature hot air tothe shoe 1820 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., twenty minutes)to start dehumidification or drying of the shoe 1820. The predeterminedamount of time (e.g., twenty minutes) may be variably adjusted.

The processor 470 may emit hot air to at least one of the inner side,outer side, and bottom of the shoe 1820 for a predetermined amount oftime on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe 1820. The temperature of the emitted hot air maybe a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40° C.) or lower. The hot airtemperature (e.g., 40° C.) may be a temperature that increasesefficiency of dehumidification or drying on the basis of the material ofthe shoe 1820.

According to an embodiment, a first discharge port 1811 among theplurality of discharge ports 1811 and 1812 disposed on the inner wall ofthe shoe cabinet 1810 may be disposed to face the inside of the shoe1820. Also, a second discharge port 1812 among the plurality ofdischarge ports 1811 and 1812 may be disposed to face the front of theshoe 1820.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the timeduring which hot air is to be emitted on the basis of at least one ofthe material, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1820. The timemay be set to different amounts of time according to at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1820. When at leastone of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1820 isidentified, the processor 470 may identify a predetermined amount oftime according thereto.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S1716). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether the time during which the process(S1714) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount of time(e.g., twenty minutes). The predetermined amount of time may bedetermined as different amounts of time according to at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 1820. Alternatively,the predetermined amount of time may be adjusted on the basis of a userinput.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe (S1718). In a case in which the total time during which theprocess (S1714) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount oftime (e.g., twenty minutes), the processor 470 may identify thecondition of the shoe 1820 on the basis of the operation (S1710). Theprocessor 470 may identify the condition of the shoe 1820 on the basisof the operation (S1710) at predetermined time intervals.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whetherdehumidification and drying of the shoe have been completed (S1720). Theprocessor 470 may acquire information on the humidity of the shoecabinet 1810, in which the shoe 1820 is stored, through a humiditysensor included in the sensor part 410 of the shoe treating apparatus310.

The processor 470 may, on the basis of the acquired information,determine the dehumidification or drying of the shoe 1820. When thedehumidification and drying of the shoe 1820 are identified as nothaving been completed, the processor 470 may, as described above inrelation to the process (S1714), emit hot air for a predetermined amountof time on the basis of at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of the shoe 1820 to dehumidify and dry the shoe 1820.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may end the dehumidifyingand drying function (S1722). When the dehumidification and drying of theshoe 1820 are identified as having been completed in the process(S1720), the processor 470 may end the dehumidifying and dryingfunction.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of nourishing a shoe andcoating the shoe to be water-repellent according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 20 is an exemplary view of nourishing a shoe andcoating the shoe to be water-repellent according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Hereinafter, the process of nourishing a shoe and coating the shoe to bewater-repellent according to an embodiment of the present invention willbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify at least one of the material, function, type,and condition of a shoe 2020 (S1910). The process (S1910) may include anoperation or function in at least one of the process (S1010) of FIG. 10,the process (S1210) of FIG. 12, the process (S1410) of FIG. 14, and theprocess (S1710) of FIG. 17. Also, the process (S1910) may include atleast one operation or function of the processes (S710 and S712) of FIG.7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust an angle of atleast one discharge port for nourishing and water-repellent coating(S1912). The processor 470 may identify the material, function, type,and condition of the shoe 2020 and then generate a spraying liquid(e.g., mist) through the water repellent part 448 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310.

The processor 470 may adjust a discharge angle of at least one dischargeport 2011 through which a spraying liquid for nourishing orwater-repellent coating is discharged. The processor 470 may adjust theangle of the at least one discharge port 2011 so that the sprayingliquid is first emitted to a portion of the shoe 2020 where at least oneof nourishing and water-repellent coating is required.

According to an embodiment, in a state of being disposed on an innerwall of a shoe cabinet 2010, the at least one discharge port 2011 mayspray the liquid generated by the water repellent part 448 toward theshoe 2020. The liquid may include a chemical component for supplyingnourishment to the shoe 2020 or moisturizing the shoe 2020.

According to an embodiment, the liquid may also be discharged through adischarge port through which air is discharged, a discharge port throughwhich steam is discharged, or a discharge port through whichlow-temperature hot air is discharged. A duct through which the liquidpasses may be moisturized due to the liquid.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute the nourishingand water-repellent coating function for a predetermined amount of timeon the basis of at least one of the material, type, and condition of theshoe (S1914). The processor 470 may spray the liquid toward the shoe2020 for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes) to supplynourishment to the shoe 2020 or moisturize the shoe 2020.

The predetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes) may be variablyadjusted. The processor 470 may spray the liquid toward at least one ofthe inner side, outer side, and bottom of the shoe 2020 for apredetermined amount of time on the basis of at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 2020. Also, theprocessor 470 may identify the time during which the liquid is sprayed.The time may be set to different amounts of time according to at leastone of the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe 2020.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S1916). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether the time during which the process(S1914) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount of time(e.g., three minutes). The predetermined amount of time may bedetermined as different amounts of time according to at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 2020. Alternatively,the predetermined amount of time may be adjusted on the basis of a userinput.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe (S1918). In a case in which the total time during which theprocess (S1914) is performed has exceeded the predetermined amount oftime (e.g., three minutes), the processor 470 may identify the conditionof the shoe 2020 on the basis of the operation (S1910). The processor470 may identify the condition of the shoe 2020 on the basis of theoperation (S1910) at predetermined time intervals.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whethernourishing and water-repellent coating of the shoe have been completed(S1920). The sensor part 410 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 mayinclude a sensor that can identify a moisturizing condition or anourishing condition of the shoe. The processor 470 may acquireinformation on the moisturizing condition or nourishing condition of theshoe 2020 through the sensor part 410.

The processor 470 may, on the basis of the acquired information,determine the moisturizing condition or nourishing condition of the shoe2020. In a case in which the moisturizing or nourishing condition of theshoe 2020 is a reference value or less, the processor 470 may, asdescribed above in relation to the process (S1914), spray a liquid for apredetermined amount of time on the basis of at least one of thematerial, function, type, and condition of the shoe 2020 to supplynourishment to the shoe 2020.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may end the nourishing andwater-repellent coating function (S1922). When the nourishing andwater-repellent coating of the shoe 2020 are identified as having beencompleted in the process (S1920), the processor 470 may end thenourishing and water-repellent coating function.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of treating a shoeaccording to operation modes for treating shoes according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of treating a shoe according to operation modesfor treating shoes according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to FIG. 21.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify whether a door of a shoe cabinet is opened orwhether a shoe is present in the shoe cabinet (S2110). The process(S2110) may include at least one operation or function in the process(S510) of FIG. 5 and the process (S710) of FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe (S2112). Theprocess (S2112) may include at least one operation or at least onefunction performed in at least one of the process (S512) of FIG. 5, theprocess (S712) of FIG. 7, the process (S1010) of FIG. 10, the process(S1210) of FIG. 12, the process (S1410) of FIG. 14, the process (S1710)of FIG. 17, and the process (S1910) of FIG. 19. According to anembodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether the degree ofcontamination of the shoe is a predetermined value or more (S2114). Theprocess (S2114) may include at least one operation or at least onefunction performed in at least one of the process (S1024) of FIG. 10,the process (S1222) of FIG. 12, and the process (S1422) of FIG. 14.

According to an embodiment, a shoe treating function of removing foreignsubstances attached to the shoe may also be performed even when thedegree of contamination of the shoe does not exceed the predeterminedvalue.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may select an operationmode of the shoe treating apparatus 310 (S2116). The operation mode maybe selected through a result identified through the process (S2114).Alternatively, the operation mode may be selected by a user's selection.The operation mode may be classified into a quick mode and a generalmode.

Alternatively, the operation mode may include various modes according tothe effects of weather such as snow and rain. Alternatively, theoperation mode may include a selection mode in which at least one offirst to fifth functions selected by a user is performed. Alternatively,the operation mode may include a fiber/synthetic leather mode, a genuineleather mode, an enhanced function mode, a rapid sanitizing/deodorizingmode, a low-temperature hot air mode, an air brush mode, and the like. Aselection relating to the operation mode may be input through thedisplay part 433 or the input part 431 of the shoe treating apparatus310.

According to an embodiment, the quick mode may include a first functionof removing foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., four minutes) and a second functionof executing at least one of sanitization and deodorization of the shoefor a predetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes).

According to an embodiment, the quick mode may be a mode in which thefirst function is executed and then the second function is executed.Alternatively, the quick mode may be a mode in which the second functionis executed and then the first function is executed. The timecorresponding to the first function (e.g., four minutes) and the timecorresponding to the second function (e.g., three minutes) may bevariably changed by control of the processor 470 according to the degreeof contamination of the shoe or may be changed by a user's settings.

According to an embodiment, the general mode may include the firstfunction of removing foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., four minutes), the second functionof executing at least one of sanitization and deodorization of the shoefor a predetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes), a thirdfunction of executing at least one of steaming and sanitization of theshoe for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., ten minutes), a fourthfunction of executing at least one of dehumidification and drying of theshoe for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., twenty minutes), and afifth function of executing at least one of nourishing andwater-repellent coating of the shoe for a predetermined amount of time(e.g., three minutes).

According to an embodiment, the general mode may be a mode in which thefirst mode, the second mode, the third mode, the fourth mode, and thefifth mode are executed in that order. Alternatively, the general modemay be a mode in which the first to fifth modes are randomly executed.The amounts of time corresponding to the first to fifth functions may bevariably changed by control of the processor 470 according to the degreeof contamination of the shoe or may be changed by a user's settings.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a foreignsubstance removal function for a predetermined amount of time (S2118).In a case in which an operation mode selected in the process (S2116) isthe quick mode, the processor 470 may execute the function (e.g., thefirst function) of removing foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoefor a predetermined amount of time (e.g., four minutes).

According to an embodiment, in the quick mode, the processor 470 may,for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., four minutes), discharge airto the shoe through at least one discharge port disposed in the shoecabinet in order to remove foreign substances from the shoe. Also, theprocessor 470 may suction the foreign substances separated from the shoedue to the discharged air through at least one suction port disposed inthe shoe cabinet. The processor 470 may, after discharging the air,suction the air from inside the shoe cabinet in order to suction theforeign substances dislodged from the shoe due to the discharged air.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the angle ordirection of the at least one discharge port to face a portion of theshoe where a large amount of foreign substances is adsorbed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a sanitizingand deodorizing function for a predetermined amount of time (S2120). Inthe quick mode, the processor 470 may emit at least one of UV light, aphotocatalyst, and plasma in predetermined sizes to the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes) to execute thefunction of sanitizing and deodorizing the shoe (e.g., the secondfunction).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute apredetermined function (S2122). In a case in which an operation modeselected in the process (S2116) is the general mode, the processor 470may execute predetermined functions (e.g., the first to fifth functionsin that order). The processor 470 may perform the first function ofremoving foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe for a predeterminedamount of time (e.g., four minutes), the second function of executing atleast one of sanitization and deodorization of the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., three minutes), the third functionof executing at least one of steaming and sanitization of the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., ten minutes), the fourth function ofexecuting at least one of dehumidification and drying of the shoe for apredetermined amount of time (e.g., twenty minutes), and the fifthfunction of executing at least one of nourishing and water-repellentcoating of the shoe for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., threeminutes).

According to an embodiment, the first function may include at least oneoperation or function in FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B. The second function mayinclude at least one operation or function in FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B.

The third function may include at least one operation or function inFIGS. 14, 15, 16A, and 16B. The fourth function may include at least oneoperation or function in FIGS. 17 and 18. Also, the fifth function mayinclude at least one operation or function in FIGS. 19 and 20.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the shoe is a predetermined value or more(S2124). The process (S2124) may include at least one operation or atleast one function performed in at least one of the process (S1024) ofFIG. 10, the process (S1222) of FIG. 12, the process (S1422) of FIG. 14,and the process (S2114) of FIG. 21.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which the selected mode is thequick mode, when the degree of contamination is identified as being thepredetermined value or more, the processor 470 may perform the process(S2118).

According to an embodiment, in a case in which the selected mode is thegeneral mode, when the degree of contamination is identified as beingthe predetermined value or more, the processor 470 may perform theprocess (S2122).

According to an embodiment, in a case in which the degree ofcontamination of the shoe is not the predetermined value or more in theprocess (S2124), the processor 470 may end the shoe treatment mode(S2126). According to an embodiment, in a case in which the degree ofcontamination of the shoe is not the predetermined value or more, theprocessor 470 may end the execution of the first to fifth functions.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of disinfecting a shoetreating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of disinfecting a shoe treating apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 22.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 may identify whether a door of a shoe cabinet is closed(S2210). The processor 470 may receive a signal according to closing ofthe door from the door open/close sensor 412 and may detect the closingof the door through the received signal.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect a shoe in theshoe cabinet (S2212). The processor 470 may, through at least one of thecamera 432 and the weight sensor 414 disposed on the lower portion ofthe shoe cabinet, identify whether a shoe is present in the shoe cabinet320.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a sanitizingand deodorizing function for a predetermined amount of time (S2214).When a shoe is not detected from the shoe cabinet, the processor 470 maydetermine that a shoe is not present in the shoe cabinet. When it isdetermined that a shoe is not present in the shoe cabinet, the processor470 may emit at least one of UV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma tothe shoe cabinet at a predetermined intensity (e.g., the maximumintensity) for a predetermined amount of time to execute a function ofsanitizing and deodorizing the shoe cabinet.

In a case in which a shoe is not detected from inside the shoe cabinet,the processor 470 may, in order to disinfect the inside of the shoecabinet, execute the second and third functions with a higher intensitythan the second and third functions in a case in which a shoe isdetected. For example, in a case in which a shoe is not detected frominside the shoe cabinet, the processor 470 may emit at least one of theUV light, a photocatalyst, and plasma with the maximum intensity.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a steaming andsanitizing function for a predetermined amount of time (S2216). Theprocessor 470 may, after performing the process (S2214), emit steam tothe shoe cabinet at a predetermined intensity (e.g., the maximumintensity) for a predetermined amount of time to steam and sanitize theshoe cabinet. For example, in a case in which a shoe is not detectedfrom inside the shoe cabinet, the processor 470 may spray steam with themaximum intensity.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thedegree of contamination of the inside of the shoe cabinet is apredetermined value or more (S2218). The processor 470 may perform theprocesses (S2214 and S2216) to perform sanitization, deodorization, anddisinfection of the shoe cabinet. The processor 470 may identify thedegree of contamination of the shoe cabinet and determine whether theidentified degree of contamination is the predetermined value or more.

For example, when the degree of contamination of the shoe cabinet isidentified as being the predetermined value or more, the processor 470may restart the processes (S2214 and S2216). For example, when thedegree of contamination of the shoe cabinet is determined as not beingthe predetermined value or more, the processor 470 may end thesanitization, deodorization, and disinfection of the shoe cabinet.

Hereinafter, movement control of each of a plurality of shelves of acabinet (e.g., the upper cabinet 150) of the shoe treating apparatus 310will be described.

[Shelf Angle Adjustment According to User Identification]

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling tilting ofa shelf of an upper cabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24A is an exemplary viewillustrating a user approaching a shoe treating apparatus according toan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24B is an exemplary viewillustrating a state of the shoe treating apparatus in a case in which auser approaches the shoe treating apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 25A is an exemplary view of a pluralityof shelves disposed in the upper cabinet according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 25B is an exemplary view illustratingcoupling members allowing each of the plurality of shelves disposed inthe upper cabinet to be attached to an inner wall of the shoe treatingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26Ais an exemplary view of a plurality of shelves tilting in the samedirection in an upper cabinet according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 26B is an exemplary view illustrating coupling membersin a case in which the plurality of shelves disposed in the uppercabinet tilt in the same direction according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 27A is an exemplary view of a plurality ofshelves tilting in different directions in an upper cabinet according toan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27B is an exemplary viewillustrating coupling members in a case in which the plurality ofshelves disposed in the upper cabinet tilt in different directionsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28A is anexemplary view of a state in which the lowest shelf of a plurality ofshelves moves upward in an upper cabinet according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 28B is an exemplary view illustratingcoupling members in a case in which the lowest shelf of the plurality ofshelves disposed in the upper cabinet moves upward according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling tilting of a shelf of an uppercabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 23to 28B.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may use at least onesensor to identify an approach of a user (S2310). Through at least onesensor (e.g., the camera 432, the distance measurement sensor 416, theIR sensor 419, or the like) disposed at one side (e.g., the upper side,lower side, left side, or right side) of the front surface (e.g., thedoors 110, 120, 130, and 140) of the shoe treating apparatus 310, theprocessor 470 may identify a user approaching the shoe treatingapparatus 310.

Referring to FIG. 24A, through at least one sensor (e.g., the camera432, the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, or thelike), the processor 470 may detect a user 2410 approaching the shoetreating apparatus 310. The at least one sensor (e.g., the camera 432,the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, or the like) maybe disposed at one side (e.g., the upper side, lower side, left side, orright side) of the doors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150 of theshoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the height ofthe user (S2312). When the user is identified as approaching, theprocessor 470 may cause at least one light emitting element disposed onat least one of a plurality of shelves of the upper cabinet 150 and/orat least one of a plurality of shelves of the lower cabinet 160 (forexample, disposed on the lower portion of the shelf) to emit light.

At least one light emitting element may be disposed on a bottom surfaceof each of the plurality of shelves included in each of the uppercabinet 150 and the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of adistance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user, adjustthe brightness of at least one light emitting element disposed on thebottom surface of each shelf.

For example, the processor 470 may cause the at least one light emittingelement to emit more light as the distance between the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and the user becomes shorter and may cause the at leastone light emitting element to emit less light as the distance betweenthe shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user becomes longer.Alternatively, the processor 470 may control the at least one lightemitting element so that the at least one light emitting element emitsdifferent colored lights on the basis of the distance between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user.

Referring to FIG. 24B, when the approach of the user 2410 is identified,the processor 470 may cause all light emitting elements disposed on thelower surface of each shelf of the upper cabinet 150 to emit light.Alternatively, the processor 470 may identify a certain shelf of theupper cabinet 150 on which a shoe of the identified user is stored andmay cause at least one light emitting element disposed on the bottomsurface of the identified shelf to emit light.

Referring to FIG. 23, the processor 470 may, on the basis of theidentified height of the user, generate a control signal for adjusting atilt angle of at least one shelf (S2314). The processor 470 may, on thebasis of the approach of the user 2410, identify the height of the userand then generate a control signal for adjusting tilting of at least oneshelf included in the upper cabinet 150.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may, on the basis of the approach ofthe user 2410, generate a control signal for adjusting tilting of atleast one shelf included in the lower cabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust tilting of atleast one shelf through the generated control signal (S2316). Theprocessor 470 may acquire information on a tilt angle for each height(e.g., Table 1) that is stored in the memory 434 and may, on the basisof the acquired information, adjust tilting of at least one shelf of theupper cabinet 150 or the lower cabinet 160.

Also, the processor 470 may provide a control signal to a motor of thecorresponding shelf to adjust tilting of each shelf.

In this way, the processor 470 may adjust tilting of each shelf byreferring to Table 1 so that it is easy for the user to see a shoedisposed on each shelf.

Referring to FIG. 25A, the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodimentof the present invention may include a plurality of shelves 2510, 2520,and 2530. Each of the plurality of shelves 2510, 2520, and 2530 may becoupled to an inner wall of a frame 2540 of the upper cabinet 150. Amongthe plurality of shelves 2510, 2520, and 2530, a first shelf 2510 may bedisposed at the highest position, a second shelf 2520 may be disposedbelow the first shelf 2510, and a third shelf 2530 may be disposed belowthe second shelf 2520.

According to an embodiment, the upper cabinet 150 may include more orfewer shelves instead of including the first to third shelves.

Referring to FIG. 25B, each of both side surfaces of each shelf may becoupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540 of the upper cabinet 150.Also, two coupling members may be formed on each of both side surfacesof each shelf. For example, a first coupling member and a secondcoupling member may be formed on a right side surface of each shelf.

Also, a groove for gathering foreign substances adsorbed onto a shoe anddislodged therefrom may be formed in each shelf, and at least one lightemitting element may be formed on the bottom surface of each shelf.Also, protrusions 2517, 2527, and 2537 configured to support sliding ofa shoe may be formed on a flat surface of each shelf. The protrusions2517, 2527, and 2537 may be disposed on a front side of each shelf.

For example, a first coupling member formed on a right side surface ofthe first shelf 2510 may include a first inner member 2511, a firstrotary member 2512, and a first outer member 2513. The first innermember 2511 may be coupled to be fixed to the first shelf 2510, and thefirst rotary member 2512 may move according to control of the motor part437 in the first inner member 2511 and may be coupled to the inner wallof the frame 2540. Also, the first outer member 2513 may be formed tosurround the first rotary member 2512 and the first inner member 2511and may be coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. One side of thefirst inner member 2511 may be coupled to the first rotary member 2512and may be formed in the shape of a sawtooth to rotate according torotation of the first rotary member 2512.

For example, a second coupling member formed on the right side surfaceof the first shelf 2510 may include a second inner member 2514, a secondrotary member 2515, and a second outer member 2516. The second innermember 2514 may be coupled to be fixed to the first shelf 2510, and thesecond rotary member 2515 may move according to control of the motorpart 437 in the second inner member 2514 and may be coupled to the innerwall of the frame 2540. Also, the second outer member 2516 may be formedto surround the second rotary member 2515 and the second inner member2514 and may be coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. One side ofthe second inner member 2514 may be coupled to the second rotary member2515 and may be formed in the shape of a sawtooth to rotate according torotation of the second rotary member 2515.

For example, the second shelf 2520 may be disposed below the first shelf2510. A third coupling member formed on a right side surface of thesecond shelf 2520 may include a third inner member 2521, a third rotarymember 2522, and a third outer member 2523. The third inner member 2521may be coupled to be fixed to the second shelf 2520, and the thirdrotary member 2522 may move according to control of the motor part 437in the third inner member 2521 and may be coupled to the inner wall ofthe frame 2540. Also, the third outer member 2523 may be formed tosurround the third rotary member 2522 and the third inner member 2521and may be coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. One side of thethird inner member 2521 may be coupled to the third rotary member 2522and may be formed in the shape of a sawtooth to rotate according torotation of the third rotary member 2522.

For example, a fourth coupling member formed on the right side surfaceof the second shelf 2520 may include a fourth inner member 2524, afourth rotary member 2525, and a fourth outer member 2526. The fourthinner member 2524 may be coupled to be fixed to the second shelf 2520,and the fourth rotary member 2525 may move according to control of themotor part 437 in the fourth inner member 2524 and may be coupled to theinner wall of the frame 2540. Also, the fourth outer member 2526 may beformed to surround the fourth rotary member 2525 and the fourth innermember 2524 and may be coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. Oneside of the fourth inner member 2524 may be coupled to the fourth rotarymember 2525 and may be formed in the shape of a sawtooth to rotateaccording to rotation of the fourth rotary member 2525.

For example, the third shelf 2530 may be disposed below the second shelf2520. A fifth coupling member formed on a right side surface of thethird shelf 2530 may include a fifth inner member 2531, a fifth rotarymember 2532, and a fifth outer member 2533. The fifth inner member 2531may be coupled to be fixed to the third shelf 2530, and the fifth rotarymember 2532 may move according to control of the motor part 437 in thefifth inner member 2531 and may be coupled to the inner wall of theframe 2540. Also, the fifth outer member 2533 may be formed to surroundthe fifth rotary member 2532 and the fifth inner member 2531 and may becoupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. One side of the fifth innermember 2531 may be coupled to the fifth rotary member 2532 and may beformed in the shape of a sawtooth to move upward or downward accordingto rotation of the fifth rotary member 2532.

For example, a sixth coupling member formed on the right side surface ofthe third shelf 2530 may include a sixth inner member 2534, a sixthrotary member 2535, and a sixth outer member 2536. The sixth innermember 2534 may be coupled to be fixed to the third shelf 2530, and thesixth rotary member 2535 may move according to control of the motor part437 in the sixth inner member 2534 and may be coupled to the inner wallof the frame 2540. Also, the sixth outer member 2536 may be formed tosurround the sixth rotary member 2535 and the sixth inner member 2534and may be coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540. One side of thesixth inner member 2534 may be coupled to the sixth rotary member 2535and may be formed in the shape of a sawtooth to move upward or downwardaccording to rotation of the sixth rotary member 2535.

In this way, each shelf may tilt or vertically move on the basis ofrotation of a rotary member connected to each shelf.

Referring to FIG. 26A, each of a plurality of shelves 2610, 2620, and2630 included in the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention may tilt. Each of the plurality of shelves 2610, 2620,and 2630 may tilt in a state of being coupled to the inner wall of theframe 2540 of the upper cabinet 150.

For example, among the plurality of shelves 2610, 2620, and 2630, afirst shelf 2610 and a second shelf 2620 may tilt so that the front andrear thereof move in different directions. Among the plurality ofshelves 2610, 2620, and 2630, the first shelf 2610 and the second shelf2620 may tilt in the same direction. Also, a third shelf 2630 may moveupward or downward.

Referring to FIG. 26B, a plurality of shelves disposed in the uppercabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention may tilt inthe same direction.

For example, as a first rotary member 2612 of a first coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the first shelf 2610 rotatescounterclockwise, a first inner member 2611 connected to the firstrotary member 2612 may move downward. Also, on the basis of the downwardmovement of the first inner member 2611, the front of the first shelf2610, which is coupled to the first inner member 2611, may tiltdownward.

Also, as a second rotary member 2615 of a second coupling member formedon the right side surface of the first shelf 2610 rotatescounterclockwise, a second inner member 2614 connected to the secondrotary member 2615 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upwardmovement of the second inner member 2614, the rear of the first shelf2610, which is coupled to the second inner member 2614, may tilt upward.The rotational directions of the first rotary member 2612 and the secondrotary member 2615 may be the same.

For example, as a third rotary member 2622 of a third coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the second shelf 2620 rotatescounterclockwise, a third inner member 2621 connected to the thirdrotary member 2622 may move downward. Also, on the basis of the downwardmovement of the third inner member 2621, the front of the second shelf2620, which is coupled to the third inner member 2621, may tiltdownward.

Also, as a fourth rotary member 2625 of a fourth coupling member formedon the right side surface of the second shelf 2620 rotatescounterclockwise, a fourth inner member 2624 connected to the fourthrotary member 2625 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upwardmovement of the fourth inner member 2624, the rear of the second shelf2620, which is coupled to the fourth inner member 2624, may tilt upward.For example, the rotational directions of the third rotary member 2622and the fourth rotary member 2625 may be the same.

For example, as a fifth rotary member 2632 of a fifth coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the third shelf 2630 rotatescounterclockwise, a fifth inner member 2631 connected to the fifthrotary member 2632 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upwardmovement of the fifth inner member 2631, the third shelf 2630 may moveupward.

Also, as a sixth rotary member 2635 of a sixth coupling member formed onthe right side surface of the third shelf 2630 rotates counterclockwise,a sixth inner member 2634 connected to the sixth rotary member 2635 maymove downward. Also, on the basis of the downward movement of the sixthinner member 2634, the third shelf 2630 may move downward.

For example, for the third shelf 2630 to move upward, the processor 470may control the motor part 437 to perform at least one ofcounterclockwise rotation of the fifth rotary member 2632 and clockwiserotation of the sixth rotary member 2635.

Alternatively, for the third shelf 2630 to move downward, the processor470 may control the motor part 437 to perform at least one of clockwiserotation of the fifth rotary member 2632 and counterclockwise rotationof the sixth rotary member 2635.

Referring to FIG. 27A, each of a plurality of shelves 2710, 2720, and2730 included in the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention may tilt. Each of the plurality of shelves 2710, 2720,and 2730 may tilt in a state of being coupled to the inner wall of theframe 2540 of the upper cabinet 150.

For example, among the plurality of shelves 2710, 2720, and 2730, afirst shelf 2710 and a second shelf 2720 may tilt to move in differentdirections. For example, the front portion of the first shelf 2710 maymove upward, and the front portion of the second shelf 2720 may movedownward.

In this way, the first shelf 2710 and the second shelf 2720 among theplurality of shelves 2710, 2720, and 2730 may tilt in differentdirections each other. Also, a third shelf 2730 may move upward ordownward.

Referring to FIG. 27B, a plurality of shelves disposed in the uppercabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention may tilt indifferent directions.

For example, as a first rotary member 2712 of a first coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the first shelf 2710 rotatesclockwise, a first inner member 2711 connected to the first rotarymember 2712 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upward movementof the first inner member 2711, the front of the first shelf 2710, whichis coupled to the first inner member 2711, may tilt in an upwarddirection 2717.

Also, as a second rotary member 2715 of a second coupling member formedon the right side surface of the first shelf 2710 rotates clockwise, asecond inner member 2714 connected to the second rotary member 2715 maymove downward. Also, on the basis of the downward movement of the secondinner member 2714, the rear of the first shelf 2710, which is coupled tothe second inner member 2714, may tilt in a downward direction 2718. Therotational directions of the first rotary member 2712 and the secondrotary member 2715 may be the same.

For example, as a third rotary member 2722 of a third coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the second shelf 2720 rotatescounterclockwise, a third inner member 2721 connected to the thirdrotary member 2722 may move downward. Also, on the basis of the downwardmovement of the third inner member 2721, the front of the second shelf2720, which is coupled to the third inner member 2721, may tilt in adownward direction 2727.

Also, as a fourth rotary member 2725 of a fourth coupling member formedon the right side surface of the second shelf 2720 rotatescounterclockwise, a fourth inner member 2724 connected to the fourthrotary member 2725 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upwardmovement of the fourth inner member 2724, the rear of the second shelf2720, which is coupled to the fourth inner member 2724, may tilt in anupward direction 2728. The rotational directions of the third rotarymember 2722 and the fourth rotary member 2725 may be the same.

For example, the third shelf 2730 may move upward or may be maintainedin a non-moving state.

Referring to FIG. 28A, among a plurality of shelves 2810, 2820, and 2830included in the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, first and second shelves 2810 and 2820 may not tilt,and a third shelf 2830 may move upward. For example, all of the firstand second shelves 2810 and 2820 and the third shelf 2830 may move.

Alternatively, the first and second shelves 2810 and 2820 may tilt, andthe third shelf 2830 may not move. Alternatively, the first and secondshelves 2810 and 2820 may not move, and the third shelf 2830 may moveupward or downward.

Referring to FIG. 28B, among a plurality of shelves disposed in theupper cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention, thelowest shelf may move upward.

For example, for the third shelf 2830 to move upward, the processor 470may control the motor part 437 to perform at least one ofcounterclockwise rotation of a fifth rotary member 2832 and clockwiserotation of a sixth rotary member 2835.

In this way, in a case in which the fifth rotary member 2832 rotatescounterclockwise or the sixth rotary member 2835 rotates clockwise, thethird shelf 2830 moves in upward directions 2837 and 2838.

For example, for the third shelf 2830 to move downward, the processor470 may control the motor part 437 to perform at least one of clockwiserotation of the fifth rotary member 2832 and counterclockwise rotationof the sixth rotary member 2835.

In this way, in a case in which the fifth rotary member 2832 rotatesclockwise or the sixth rotary member 2835 rotates counterclockwise, thethird shelf 2830 moves upward.

As described above, according to the present invention, the tilting orheight of at least one shelf may be adjusted on the basis of the heightof the user.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling tilting ofa shelf of an upper cabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is an exemplaryview of displaying condition information of a shoe that corresponds to auser approaching a shoe treating apparatus according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling tilting of a shelf of an uppercabinet of a shoe treating apparatus according to another embodiment ofthe present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 29 and 30.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may use at least onesensor to identify an approach of a user (S2910). The process (S2910)may include at least one operation or at least one function performed inthe process (S2310) of FIG. 23.

Referring to FIG. 30, through at least one sensor (e.g., the camera 432,the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, or the like),the processor 470 may detect a user 2410 approaching the shoe treatingapparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may stop a tiltingoperation of a plurality of shelves in the upper cabinet (S2912). Theprocessor 470 may, through at least one sensor (e.g., the dooropen/close sensor 412, the fingerprint sensor 418, and the knock-onsensor 417), identify whether at least one of the doors 110, 120, 130,and 140 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 is opened and may, on thebasis of the opening of the door, stop (or pause) an operation of atleast one shelf that is currently tilting.

According to an embodiment, when the approach of the user 2410 isidentified through at least one sensor (e.g., the camera 432, thedistance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, or the like), theprocessor 470 may stop an operation of at least one shelf that iscurrently tilting.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify a user andthe height of the user (S2914). The process (S2914) may include at leastone operation or at least one function performed in the process (S2312)of FIG. 23.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust tilting (orswing angle) of at least one shelf on the basis of the identified heightof the user (S2916). The process (S2916) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the processes (S2314 andS2316) of FIG. 23.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display stateinformation on a shoe corresponding to the identified user (S2918). Theprocessor 470 may display at least part of state information on at leastone shoe corresponding to the identified user and the position of the atleast one shoe through the display part 433.

Referring to FIG. 30, the state information displayed through thedisplay part 433 by the processor 470 may include a state in which, onthe basis of at least one of the material, type, and condition of atleast one shoe, the at least one shoe is normally treated throughadjusting at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the uppercabinet 150 in which the at least one shoe is stored.

Hereinafter, adjusting a tilt speed of a shelf will be described.

[Shelf Tilt Speed Adjustment]

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a normal treatment process of a shoetreating apparatus according to opening and closing of a door accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32A is an exemplary viewillustrating a plurality of shelves included in an upper cabinetaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32B is anexemplary view of the plurality of shelves tilting on the basis ofnormal treatment according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 33 is an exemplary view illustrating an air flow in an uppercabinet on the basis of normal treatment according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Hereinafter, the normal treatment process of a shoe treating apparatusaccording to opening and closing of a door according to an embodiment ofthe present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 31, 32A, 32B, and 33.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect whether a useris approaching (S3110). The process (S3110) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S2310) ofFIG. 23.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate a controlsignal for adjusting the tilt speed of at least one shelf of the uppercabinet (S3112). When an approach of a user is detected, the processor470 may generate a control signal for adjusting the tilt speed of atleast one shelf included in the upper cabinet 150 at least one time.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate at least onecontrol signal on the basis of a distance value between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user.

For example, the processor 470 may generate at least one control signalfor gradually reducing the tilt speed of at least one shelf as thedistance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user decreases.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate a controlsignal for each shelf or may generate a single control signal forcontrolling the tilt speed of each of the plurality of shelves. Theprocessor 470 may, on the basis of a speed at which the distance betweenthe shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user decreases, determine acontrol signal generation cycle.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the tilt speedof at least one shelf through the generated control signal (S3114). Theprocessor 470 may acquire information on a tilt speed for each distancebetween the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user that is pre-storedin the memory 434 and may adjust the tilt speed of at least one shelf ofthe upper cabinet 150 on the basis of the acquired information.

For example, the processor 470 may provide the control signal to thecorresponding motor of each shelf to adjust the tilt speed of eachshelf.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may gradually reduce thetilt speed of the at least one shelf as the distance between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user decreases and may improve the tiltspeed of the at least one shelf as the distance increases. Table 2 belowshows tilt speeds of shelves according to the distance between the shoetreating apparatus 310 and the user.

TABLE 2 Distance (cm) Speed (RPM) 20 cm or less 0 21 cm to 40 cm 2 41 cmto 60 cm 4 61 cm to 80 cm 6 81 cm or more 8

Referring to Table 2, for example, in a case in which the distancebetween the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user is 20 cm or less,the processor 470 may not tilt the at least one shelf.

Also, in a case in which the distance between the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and the user is 21 cm to 40 cm, the processor 470 mayrotate the at least one shelf at a tilt speed of 2 RPM. Also, in a casein which the distance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and theuser is 41 cm to 60 cm, the processor 470 may rotate the at least oneshelf at a tilt speed of 4 RPM.

Alternatively, in a case in which the distance between the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and the user is 61 cm to 80 cm, the processor 470 mayrotate the at least one shelf at a tilt speed of 6 RPM, and in a case inwhich the distance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the useris 81 cm or more, the processor 470 may rotate the at least one shelf ata tilt speed of 8 RPM. The above distance and speed values are only anembodiment, and the present invention is not limited thereto and mayinclude various other distances and various other speeds.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect whether a dooris opened (S3116). The processor 470 may, through at least one sensor(e.g., the door open/close sensor 412, the knock-on sensor 417, and thefingerprint sensor 418), detect whether a door of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 is opened.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may stop normal treatmentand tilting of at least one shelf (S3118). When it is identified throughthe at least one sensor that at least one of the doors 110, 120, 130,and 140 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 is being opened, theprocessor 470 may stop normal treatment that is currently beingperformed in the upper cabinet of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

Also, the processor 470 may stop a tilting operation of at least oneshelf that tilts during the normal treatment. For example, in a case inwhich the distance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the useris within 20 cm before at least one of the doors 110, 120, 130, and 140is opened, the processor 470 may stop the normal treatment and stop thetilting operation of at least one shelf.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the tilt angleof at least one shelf to correspond to the height of the user (S3120).The processor 470 may measure the height of the user through at leastone sensor (e.g., the camera 432, the distance measurement sensor 416,the IR sensor 419, or the like) or may identify the height of the userthrough user information (e.g., name, relation, height, weight, and thelike) pre-stored in the memory 434. The memory 434 may includeinformation on tilt angles of a shelf according to various heights as inTable 1.

According to an embodiment, the process (S3120) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S2916) ofFIG. 29. The processor 470 may generate a control signal on the basis ofthe tilt angle of at least one shelf that is stored in the memory 434and may, on the basis of the generated control signal, adjust the tiltangle of each of the plurality of shelves (e.g., the first shelf, secondshelf, and third shelf) included in the upper cabinet 150.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect whether a dooris closed (S3122). The processor 470 may, through at least one sensor(e.g., the door open/close sensor 412, the knock-on sensor 417, and thefingerprint sensor 418), detect whether a door of the shoe treatingapparatus 310 is closed.

Alternatively, when a knock on an open door is detected through theknock-on sensor 417, the processor 470 may control the open door to beclosed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may restart the normaltreatment in the upper cabinet and tilting of at least one shelf(S3124). The processor 470 may, through at least one element (e.g., thesteam generating part 444, the low-temperature hot air generating part446) of the shoe treating apparatus 310, normally treat (e.g., adjust atleast one of the temperature and humidity of) at least one shoe storedin the upper cabinet 150.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may normally treat at least one shoe inthe upper cabinet 150 through at least one of the UV light emitting part422, the photocatalyst emitting part 424, and the plasma emitting part426.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may tilt the at least oneshelf to correspond to the normal treatment. The processor 470 may tiltthe at least one shelf on the basis of the tilt speed corresponding tothe normal treatment.

For example, the processor 470 may restart the tilting of the at leastone shelf on the basis of an environment (e.g., tilt speed, shoetreatment environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, or the like))similar to the normal treatment before the approach of the user isdetected in the process (S3110).

Referring to FIG. 32A, a plurality of shelves 3210 and 3220 included inthe upper cabinet 150 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may tilt at different speeds (or different direction) or atthe same speed. Each of the plurality of shelves 3210 and 3220 may tiltin a state of being coupled to the inner wall of the frame 2540 of theupper cabinet 150.

For example, a first shelf 3210 and a second shelf 3220 of the pluralityof shelves 3210 and 3220 may tilt to move at the same speed (or atdifferent speeds) in different directions.

For example, the front portion of the first shelf 3210 may swing upward,and the front portion of the second shelf 3220 may swing downward. Inthis way, the first shelf 3210 and the second shelf 3220 of theplurality of shelves 3210 and 3220 may tilt at the same speed (or atdifferent speeds) in different directions.

Referring to FIG. 32B, a plurality of shelves disposed in the uppercabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention may tilt atdifferent speeds in different directions.

For example, as a first rotary member 3212 of a first coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the first shelf 3210 rotatesclockwise, a first inner member 3211 connected to the first rotarymember 3212 may move upward, and on the basis of the upward movement ofthe first inner member 3211, the front of the first shelf 3210, which iscoupled to the first inner member 3211, may tilt in an upward direction3217.

Also, as a second rotary member 3215 of a second coupling member formedon the right side surface of the first shelf 3210 rotates clockwise, asecond inner member 3214 connected to the second rotary member 3215 maymove downward, and on the basis of the downward movement of the secondinner member 3214, the rear of the first shelf 3210, which is coupled tothe second inner member 3214, may tilt in a downward direction 3218. Therotational directions of the first rotary member 3212 and the secondrotary member 3215 may be the same.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the rotationalspeeds of the first rotary member 3212 and the second rotary member 3215through the motor part 437. The tilt speed of the first shelf 3210 maybe adjusted on the basis of the rotational speeds of the first rotarymember 3212 and the second rotary member 3215.

The processor 470 may determine the rotational speeds of the firstrotary member 3212 and the second rotary member 3215 on the basis of thedistance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user and mayuse the determined rotational speeds to operate the motor part 437. Inthis way, the first rotary member 3212 and the second rotary member 3215which are physically connected to the motor part 437 may rotate.

As a result, the first rotary member 3212 and the second rotary member3215 rotate according to the determined rotational speeds, and the firstshelf 3210 rotates according to the rotational speeds of the firstrotary member 3212 and the second rotary member 3215.

For example, as a third rotary member 3222 of a third coupling memberformed on a right side surface of the second shelf 3220 rotatescounterclockwise, a third inner member 3221 connected to the thirdrotary member 3222 may move downward. Also, on the basis of the downwardmovement of the third inner member 3221, the front of the second shelf3220, which is coupled to the third inner member 3221, may tilt in adownward direction 3227.

Also, as a fourth rotary member 3225 of a fourth coupling member formedon the right side surface of the second shelf 3220 rotatescounterclockwise, a fourth inner member 3224 connected to the fourthrotary member 3225 may move upward. Also, on the basis of the upwardmovement of the fourth inner member 3224, the rear of the second shelf3220, which is coupled to the fourth inner member 3224, may tilt in anupward direction 3228. The rotational directions of the third rotarymember 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225 may be the same.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust the rotationalspeeds of the third rotary member 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225through the motor part 437. The tilt speed of the second shelf 3220 maybe adjusted on the basis of the rotational speeds of the third rotarymember 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225.

The processor 470 may determine the rotational speeds of the thirdrotary member 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225 on the basis of thedistance between the shoe treating apparatus 310 and the user and mayuse the determined rotational speeds to operate the motor part 437. Inthis way, the third rotary member 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225which are physically connected to the motor part 437 may rotate.

As a result, the third rotary member 3222 and the fourth rotary member3225 rotate according to the determined rotational speeds, and thesecond shelf 3220 rotates according to the rotational speeds of thethird rotary member 3222 and the fourth rotary member 3225.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control the motor part437 so that the tilt speeds of the first and second rotary members 3212and 3215 are the same as the tilt speeds of the third and fourth rotarymembers 3222 and 3225.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may control the motor part 437 so thatthe tilt speeds of the first and second rotary members 3212 and 3215 aredifferent from the tilt speeds of the third and fourth rotary members3222 and 3225. The tilt speed of the one or more shelves 3210 and 3220may be determined on the basis of the distance between the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and the user.

Referring to FIG. 33, a discharge part (the discharge part 920 of FIG.9) may be formed on a lower portion of the shoe treating apparatus 310(e.g., the upper cabinet 150). Air 3310 discharged through the dischargepart (the discharge part 920 of FIG. 9) may flow upward along the innerwall of the frame 2540 of the upper cabinet 150.

The discharged air 3310 may be diffused in the upper cabinet 150 due tothe tilting operation of each shelf (e.g., the first shelf 3210). Forexample, the air flow in the upper cabinet 150 may be diffused morerapidly as the tilt speed of each shelf (e.g., the first shelf 3210 andthe second shelf 3220 of FIG. 32) becomes higher. In this way, as theair flow is diffused, at least one of the temperature and humidity inthe upper cabinet 150 may be efficiently maintained to be uniform.

Hereinafter, the input, setting, and operation control of a tappingpattern for controlling at least one function or operation of the shoetreating apparatus 310 will be described.

[Control of Shoe Treating Apparatus Through Tapping Pattern]

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a tappingpattern for controlling a shoe treating apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is an exemplary viewillustrating a door of an upper cabinet according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 36 is an exemplary view illustrating ascreen for setting a tapping pattern for controlling an operation of ashoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a knock-on sensor according toan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is an exemplary view ofreceiving an input of a tapping pattern according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 39 is an exemplary view illustrating timeintervals and sound wave intensities of taps of each tapping patternaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of setting a tapping pattern for controlling ashoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 34 to 39.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether acommand for setting a tapping pattern is received (S3410). The processor470 may identify whether a command to display a screen for controllingeach function of the shoe treating apparatus 310 using a tapping pattern(e.g., a tapping pattern setting command) is input.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display a screen forsetting a tapping pattern (S3412). The processor 470 may, on the basisof an input of the command to display a screen for controlling eachfunction of the shoe treating apparatus 310 using a tapping pattern(e.g., the tapping pattern setting command), display the screen on thedoors 110 and 120 (e.g., smart mirrors) of the upper cabinet 150.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may, on the basis of an input of thecommand to display a screen for controlling each function of the shoetreating apparatus 310 using a tapping pattern (e.g., the tappingpattern setting command), display the screen through the display part433 disposed at one side of the upper cabinet 150.

Referring to FIG. 35, the upper cabinet 150 according to an embodimentof the present invention may include the left door 110 and the rightdoor 120. For example, the smart mirror 3510 may be disposed on the leftdoor 110 of the upper cabinet 150. Also, the smart mirror 3520 may bedisposed on the right door 120 of the upper cabinet 150.

Also, the at least one knock-on sensor 417 may be disposed at one sideof each of the doors 110 and 120. Also, the display part 433 may bedisposed on one side of the left door 110 of the upper cabinet 150. Thedisplay part 433 may be disposed at one side of any one of the left door110 and right door 120 of the upper cabinet 150. Also, the camera 432configured to detect a user may be disposed at one side of the left door110.

According to an embodiment, the smart mirrors 3510 and 3520 mounted onthe doors of the shoe treating apparatus 310 may be operated in a mirrormode in which the smart mirror completely reflects things like a normalmirror, a smart mirror mode in which the smart mirror displays at leastpieces of information on the basis of the mirror mode, and a displaymode in which the smart mirror displays only at least pieces ofinformation generated by the processor 470.

Referring to FIG. 36, in order to control the shoe treating apparatus310 on the basis of a tapping pattern, the processor 470 may generate ascreen relating to a tapping pattern. The screen may include informationon at least one function or operation provided by the shoe treatingapparatus 310 and information (e.g., a menu) that indicates setting ordeletion of a tapping pattern to be set for each function. Also, theprocessor 470 may display the generated screen on the smart mirrors 3510and 3520. Alternatively, the processor 470 may display the generatedscreen on the display part 433.

For example, a screen 3600 may include information on door opening ofthe upper cabinet 150 (3610), door locking of the upper cabinet 150(3620), and lighting control of the upper cabinet 150 (3630). Also, thescreen 3600 may include information (e.g., an operation name) on atleast one of door opening of the lower cabinet 160 (3640), door lockingof the lower cabinet 160 (3650), lighting control of the lower cabinet160 (3660), and lighting control of shelves of the upper cabinet 150 (orthe lower cabinet 160) on which at least one shoe is placed for eachuser (3670).

Also, the screen 3600 may include a Settings menu 3611 and a Delete menu3612 for each function. For example, the screen 3600 may also includeinformation on various functions provided by the shoe treating apparatus310 other than the above-described various functions and include aSettings menu or a Delete menu therefor.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether afunction to be operated according to a tapping pattern is selected(S3414). The processor 470 may identify whether at least one functionincluded in the screen 3600 of FIG. 36 is selected.

For example, the processor 470 may identify whether a user has selectedthe Settings menu 3611 relating to the upper cabinet door opening (3610)to input opening of the doors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150 usinga tapping pattern.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether atapping pattern is input (S3416). The processor 470 may identify atapping pattern input through the doors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet150 after the Settings menu 3611 relating to the upper cabinet dooropening (3610) is selected.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify a tappingpattern through the knock-on sensor 417 disposed at one side of thedoors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150.

Referring to FIG. 37, the knock-on sensor 417 according to an embodimentof the present invention may include an amplifier 3720 configured toamplify an electrical signal transmitted through a microphone 3710, afilter 3730 configured to remove noise from the amplified signal, and amicrocontroller 3740 configured to, on the basis of the signal fromwhich noise is removed, identify time intervals between taps included ina tapping pattern and the sound wave intensity of each tap.

The microphone 3710 may be disposed at a position where it is easy toacquire a sound wave due to tapping in the upper cabinet 150 (or thelower cabinet 160). The microcontroller 3740 may transmit a signal fromwhich noise is removed to the processor 470 or may transmit timeintervals between taps and a sound wave intensity of each tap to theprocessor 470.

Referring to FIG. 38, in a case in which the Settings menu 3611 relatingto the upper cabinet door opening (3610) is selected in FIG. 36, theprocessor 470 may display a screen 3800 for receiving an input of atapping pattern according to the upper cabinet door opening (3610) onthe smart mirror (or the display part 433).

The screen 3800 may include a first area 3810 configured to receive aninput of a tapping pattern and a second area 3820 configured to displaysound wave intensities according to time of the tapping pattern input tothe first area 3810. Also, the screen 3800 may include a Save menu 3830for saving the input tapping pattern and a Cancel menu 3840 forcancelling the input tapping pattern.

For example, in a case in which the Settings menu 3611 relating to theupper cabinet door opening (3610) is selected in FIG. 36 and, in a statein which the screen 3800 is displayed, a tapping pattern is input by auser through a part of the body (e.g., a hand 3850) or through an object(e.g., a pen or the like) that can transmit tapping, the processor 470may display sound wave intensities of the input tapping pattern on thesecond area 3820.

The tapping pattern may be input through at least one of the left door110 and the right door 120 of the upper cabinet 150. Alternatively, thetapping pattern may be input through at least one of the left door 130and the right door 140 of the lower cabinet 160. The tapping pattern maybe alternately input through the left doors 110 and 130 and the rightdoors 120 and 140. The processor 470 may identify a tapping patterninput for each door.

Referring to FIG. 39, various tapping patterns may be set according toeach function of the shoe treating apparatus 310. For example, (a) ofFIG. 39 shows a tapping pattern according to the upper cabinet dooropening (3610), (b) of FIG. 39 shows a tapping pattern according to theupper cabinet door locking (3620), and (c) of FIG. 39 shows a tappingpattern according to the lighting of shelves for each user (3670).

For example, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 39, the tapping patternaccording to the door opening of the upper cabinet 150 (3610) mayinclude a first tap 3911 having a first sound wave intensity Th₁ at afirst time t₁, a second tap 3912 having the first sound wave intensityTh₁ at a second time t₂, and a third tap 3913 having the first soundwave intensity Th₁ at a third time t₃. A time difference between thefirst time t₁ and the second time t₂ may be the same (or the same withina range having a negligible error) as a time difference between thesecond time t₂ and the third time t₃.

For example, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 39, the tapping patternaccording to the door locking of the upper cabinet 150 (3620) mayinclude a first tap 3921 having the first sound wave intensity Th₁ atthe first time t₁, a second tap 3922 having the first sound waveintensity Th₁ at a second time t₄, and a third tap 3923 having the firstsound wave intensity Th₁ at a third time t₅. A time difference betweenthe first time t₁ and the second time t₄ may be the same (or the samewithin a range having a negligible error) as a time difference betweenthe second time t₄ and the third time t₅.

For example, the time difference in (a) of FIG. 39 may be different fromthe time difference in (b) of FIG. 39. The processor 470 may identifytime intervals between taps and the sound wave intensity of each tap toset a function or determine whether a matching pattern is present.

For example, as illustrated in (c) of FIG. 39, the tapping patternaccording to the lighting of shelves of the upper cabinet 150 for eachuser (3670) may include a first tap 3931 having the first sound waveintensity Th₁ at the first time t₁, a second tap 3932 having a secondsound wave intensity Th₂ at a second time t₆, a third tap 3933 havingthe first sound wave intensity Th₁ at a third time t₇, and a fourth tap3934 having the first sound wave intensity Th₁ at a fourth time t₈. Atime difference between the first time t₁ and the second time t₆ may bedifferent from a time difference between the second time t₆ and thethird time t₇.

Also, the time difference between the second time t₆ and the third timet₇ may be the same (or the same within a range having a negligibleerror) as a time difference between the third time t₇ and the fourthtime t₈.

In this way, since time intervals between taps included in a singletapping pattern and the sound wave intensity of each tap may vary, theprocessor 470 may set a function or determine whether a matching patternis present through at least one of the time intervals between taps andthe sound wave intensity of each tap.

According to an embodiment, the number of taps included in each tappingpattern may be at least one or plural.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may match the inputtapping pattern to the selected function (S3418). The processor 470 mayidentify time intervals between taps included in each tapping patternand the intensity of each tap and may match the identified timeintervals between the taps and the intensity of each tap to thecorresponding function (e.g., a function selected on the screen 3600 ofFIG. 36).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may set a certain marginto each time interval and each intensity, or may receive the margin froma user. The margin may be variably adjusted.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whetheranother function is selected (S3420). When it is identified that anotherfunction is selected through the screen 3600 of FIG. 36, the processor470 may perform the processes (S3416 and S3418). The processor 470 mayset a tapping pattern for at least one function through the processes(S3412 to S3418).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may save at least onematching result (S3422). The processor 470 may save a result of matchingeach tapping pattern (e.g., information on a function to be executedbased on each time interval and each intensity) in the memory 434. Thematching result may include at least one instruction for executing afunction according to an input tapping pattern.

The matching result may include information on each time interval,information on each sound wave intensity, a door identifier (that is,door identifier information to determine whether a tap is input throughthe left door or a tap is input through the right door), and informationon a function to be executed on the basis of the input of the tap.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a process of executing a functionaccording to an input of a tapping pattern according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of executing a function according to an inputof a tapping pattern according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to FIG. 40.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether atapping pattern is input (S4010). The processor 470 may identify whethera tapping pattern is input through a door (e.g., the doors 110 and 120of the upper cabinet 150 or the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet160) of the shoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may compare the inputtapping pattern with pre-stored tapping patterns (S4012). The processor470 may compare the input tapping pattern with at least one tappingpattern stored in the memory 434.

For example, the processor 470 may compare time intervals and sound waveintensities relating to each tap of the input tapping pattern with timeintervals and sound wave intensities relating to each tap of at leastone tapping pattern stored in the memory 434.

The processor 470 may identify whether time intervals and sound waveintensities relating to each tap of a tapping pattern that are the sameas (or similar within a margin range) the time intervals and sound waveintensities relating to each tap of the input tapping pattern are storedin the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether atapping pattern matching the input tapping pattern exists (S4014). Theprocessor 470 may identify whether a pattern identical to the inputtapping pattern (or similar patterns within a certain range withnegligible errors) is present among one or more tapping patterns storedin the memory 434.

The processor 470 may identify whether time intervals and sound waveintensities that are the same as those of the input tapping pattern arepresent among time intervals and sound wave intensities of one or moretapping patterns stored in the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may execute a functioncorresponding to the input tapping pattern (S4016). When it isidentified that a pattern which is the same as the input tapping patternis present among one or more tapping patterns stored in the memory 434,the processor 470 may execute a function corresponding to the inputtapping pattern.

When it is identified that time intervals and sound wave intensitiesthat are the same as those of the input tapping pattern are presentamong time intervals and sound wave intensities of one or more tappingpatterns stored in the memory 434, the processor 470 may execute afunction corresponding to the input tapping pattern.

According to an embodiment, the function may include at least one ofdoor opening of the upper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus310, door locking of the upper cabinet 150, and lighting control of theupper cabinet 150. Also, the function may include at least one of dooropening of the lower cabinet 160 of the shoe treating apparatus 310,door locking of the lower cabinet 160, lighting control of the lowercabinet 160, and lighting control of at least one shelf for each user.

Hereinafter, sanitizing a door handle will be described.

[Sanitizing Door Handle]

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a process of sanitizing a handle ofa shoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 42A is an exemplary view of touching a handle of a shoetreating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 42B is an exemplary view of sanitizing a handle of a shoe treatingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 43Ais an exemplary view illustrating a bottom surface of an upper cabinetdoor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 43B is anexemplary view illustrating arrangement of a plurality of light emittingelements of a sensor part according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 44 is an exemplary view illustrating a side surface of ashoe treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 45 is an exemplary view illustrating a notificationmessage that induces hand washing according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The process of sanitizing a handle of a shoe treating apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 41, 42A, 42B, 43A, 43B, and 44.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify a user byusing at least one sensor (S4110). The process (S4110) may include atleast one function or at least one operation performed in at least oneof the processes (S2310 and S2312) of FIG. 23.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect a touch on ahandle (S4112). The processor 470 may identify a user through thefingerprint sensor 418 disposed at inner sides of the doors 110 and 120of the upper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 or innersides of the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet 160. The fingerprintsensor 418 may be disposed on a portion (e.g., the part where thefingerprint of the finger touches) of the door that is grasped by auser.

Referring to FIG. 42A, lower portions of the doors 110 and 120 of theupper cabinet 150 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 and upper portionsof the doors 130 and 140 of the lower cabinet 160 may be formed in ashape of being concave inward to facilitate grasping. For example, in acase in which a user 4210 wants to open the right door 120 of the uppercabinet 150, the user 4210 may pull the right door 120 of the uppercabinet 150 while grasping the right door 120.

In such a case in which the user 4210 has grasped the right door 120 ofthe upper cabinet 150, the fingerprint sensor 418 provided at the innerside of the right door 120 may acquire fingerprint information of theuser and transmit the acquired fingerprint information to the processor470.

Referring to FIG. 43A, a fingerprint sensor 4310 and a plurality oflight emitting elements 4330 may be disposed at the inner side of theleft door 110 of the upper cabinet 150. Also, a fingerprint sensor 4320and a plurality of light emitting elements 4340 may be disposed at theinner side of the right door 120 of the upper cabinet 150. The pluralityof light emitting elements 4330 may include one or more first lightemitting elements (e.g., LEDs) and one or more second light emittingelements (e.g., UVC LEDs).

Also, the first light emitting element and the second light emittingelement may be disposed at the inner side of the left door 110 of theupper cabinet 150 and/or the inner side of the right door 120.

Referring to FIG. 43B, the plurality of light emitting elements 4330 maybe disposed at the lower portion of the inner side of the left door 110of the upper cabinet 150. The first light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs)and the second light emitting elements (e.g., UVC LEDs) among theplurality of light emitting elements 4330 may be alternately disposed.

For example, a first light emitting element 4331 (e.g., LED) may bedisposed, and a second light emitting element 4332 (e.g., UVC LED) maybe disposed beside the first light emitting element 4331 (e.g., LED).Also, a third light emitting element 4333 (e.g., LED) may be disposedbeside the second light emitting element 4332 (e.g., UVC LED).

Referring to FIG. 44, the fingerprint sensor 4320 and the light emittingpart 4340 are disposed at an inner side of a lower portion of a door(e.g., the right door 120) of the upper cabinet 150. Also, in the lightemitting part 4340, as illustrated in FIG. 43B, the first light emittingelements (e.g., LEDs) and the second light emitting elements (e.g., UVCLEDs) may be alternately disposed.

Also, the fingerprint sensor 4310 and a reflective plate 4420 aredisposed at an inner side of a lower portion of a door (e.g., the rightdoor 140) of the lower cabinet 160. The reflective plate 4420 mayreflect light emitted from the second light emitting element, and thelight reflected through the reflective plate 4420 may be reflectedtoward a handle portion of each of the upper cabinet 150 and the lowercabinet 160 to overall sanitize the handle portion.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may adjust a sanitizationstrength to be different for each user to sanitize a handle from which atouch is detected (S4114). The processor 470 may adjust the strength ofsanitization using one or more first light emitting elements of thelight emitting part 439 to be different for each user (e.g., father,mother, son, daughter, etc.) touching the handle of the upper cabinet150 or the handle of the lower cabinet 160.

Referring to FIG. 42B, after the user 4210 grasps a handle portion ofthe door 120 in FIG. 42A, when the hand of the user 4210 is determinedas having been removed from the handle portion, the processor 470 mayadjust the strength of sanitization using one or more UVC LEDs of thelight emitting part 4340 to be different on the basis of at least someof the identification of the user 4210, the number of times the user hastouched the handle, and a time window in which the user has touched thehandle and may sanitize the handle on the basis of the adjustedsanitization strength.

Also, the processor 470 may cause one or more LEDs of the light emittingpart 4340 to emit light to indicate that the handle is being sanitizedso as to indicate that the handle portion is currently being sanitized(4220).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display that a handleis being sanitized (S4116). In a case in which the handle is currentlybeing sanitized, the processor 470 may cause one or more second lightemitting elements of the light emitting part 439 to emit light toindicate that the handle is being sanitized.

According to an embodiment, the one or more first light emittingelements (e.g., LEDs) and the one or more second light emitting elements(e.g., UVC LEDs) may be alternately disposed at the inner sides of thedoors 110 and 120 of the upper cabinet 150. Alternatively, the one ormore first light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) and the one or moresecond light emitting elements (e.g., UVC LEDs) may be alternatelydisposed at the inner sides of the doors 130 and 140 of the lowercabinet 160.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may add up the number oftimes a user has touched a handle (S4118). The processor 470 may savethe number of times each user has touched a handle and a time window inwhich the user has touched the handle in the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display a notificationmessage that induces a user to wash his or her hands (S4120). On thebasis of the number of times each user has touched a door handle and atime window in which the user has touched the door handle, the processor470 may display a notification message inducing hand washing for eachuser through the display part 433.

The notification message may include various pieces of information oncontamination of hands such as the importance of hand washing and amethod of hand washing. The display part 433 may be disposed on thedoors 110 and 120 (e.g., the smart mirrors 3510 and 3520) of the uppercabinet 150 or disposed on lower portions of the doors 110 and 120.

Referring to FIG. 45, the processor 470 may, on the basis of identifyinga user who has touched a handle, display a notification message 4510through the display part 433 to make the corresponding user wash hands.The notification message 4510 may include a hand washing recommendationmessage 4511 and a hand washing method 4512 for each user. The handwashing recommendation message 4511 may include various pieces ofinformation from which a user may be identified, such as the name,relation, and position of the identified user. Also, the notificationmessage 4510 may include various pieces of information that show theimportance of hand washing.

Also, when an OK menu 4513 is selected, the display of the notificationmessage 4510 may end. For example, in a case in which a user does notwant the notification message 4510 to be displayed, the user may go to aSettings menu 4514 to stop the displaying of the notification message.

FIG. 46 is an exemplary view illustrating a process in which a shoetreating apparatus sanitizes a handle in each time window according toan embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process in which a shoe treating apparatus sanitizes ahandle in each time window according to an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 46.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may save time windows inwhich a handle is touched and the number of times the touch occurs(S4610). The processor 470 may store the number of times each user hastouched a handle and time windows in which each user has touched thehandle in the memory 434. By storing the above, the processor 470 mayidentify a time window in which the handle is frequently touched, whooften touches the handle, and when.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of theadd-up number of times for each time window, set the strength ofsanitizing a handle (S4612). The processor 470 may, for each user (e.g.,father, mother, son, daughter, etc.) touching the handle, add up thenumber of times the user has touched the handle in the memory 434.

Also, the processor 470 may add up the number of times the handle istouched in each time window in the memory 434. Through the result ofadding up, the processor 470 may differently set the strength ofsanitization using one or more first light emitting elements of thelight emitting part 439.

For example, for a time window in which the number of times the handleis touched is large, the processor 470 may set the sanitization strengthto “high.” Alternatively, for a time window in which the number of timesthe handle is touched is small, the processor 470 may set thesanitization strength to “low.”

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether thecurrent time has reached a set time window (S4614). The processor 470may identify whether the current time (e.g., 5:59 pm) has reached a settime window (e.g., 6 pm to 7 pm). For example, in a case in which thecurrent time (e.g., 5:59 pm) has not reached a set time window (e.g., 6pm to 7 pm), the processor 470 may not perform sanitization through thelight emitting part 439.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may sanitize the handle onthe basis of a set sanitization strength (S4616). For example, in a casein which the current time (e.g., 6:00 pm) has reached a set time window(e.g., 6 pm to 7 pm), the processor 470 may start sanitization throughthe light emitting part 439 while the sanitization strength is set to“high.” The processor 470 may perform sanitization for a predeterminedamount of time (e.g., three minutes).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may display that thehandle is being sanitized (S4618). In a case in which the handle iscurrently being sanitized, the processor 470 may cause one or more LEDsof the light emitting part 439 to emit light to indicate that the handleis currently being sanitized. For example, through a speaker, theprocessor 470 may output a voice indicating that the handle portion iscurrently being sanitized.

Hereinafter, folding or unfolding of each shelf disposed in a shoecabinet will be described.

[Shelf Control]

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling folding orunfolding of a shelf of a shoe cabinet according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a shoe cabinetaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 49 is anexemplary view illustrating an operation relating to folding orunfolding of a shelf according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling folding or unfolding of a shelfof a shoe cabinet according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 47, 48, and 49.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect whether a shoeis stored in a shoe cabinet (S4710). The process (S4710) may include atleast one function or at least one operation performed in at least oneof the process (S510) of FIG. 5 and the process (S710) of FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the height ofa shoe through at least one sensor in the shoe cabinet (S4712). Theprocessor 470 may identify the height of the shoe placed in the shoetreating apparatus 310 through at least one sensor (e.g., the distancemeasurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, and/or the camera 432)included in the sensor part 410.

For example, in a case in which distance values measured by a pluralityof sensors are the same or are within a negligible error range, theprocessor 470 may determine that the height of the shoe is lower thanthe position of a sensor located at the lowest position among theplurality of sensors that acquired the same distance values.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify a sensor thatmeasures a distance value different from distance values (e.g., thedistance between the sensor and the shoe or the distance between thesensor and the inner wall at the other side) measured by each of aplurality of sensors vertically disposed on the inner wall of the shoecabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160). Also, the processor 470 mayidentify the height of the shoe on the basis of identifying the sensorthat measures a different distance value (e.g., identifying the heightof the sensor).

Referring to FIG. 48, the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160) maybe formed to have first to fourth storage spaces 4810, 4820, 4830, and4840. Also, the electronic component part 170 may be disposed on thelower portion of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160).

For example, a first shelf 4881 may be disposed between the firststorage space 4810 and the second storage space 4820. Also, a secondshelf 4882 may be disposed between the third storage space 4830 and thefourth storage space 4840.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the first shelf 4881 and thesecond shelf 4882 may have a coupling member (e.g., a motor or the like)formed at an intermediate portion to fold or unfold the shelf. Also, atleast one of the first shelf 4881 and the second shelf 4882 may befolded or unfolded through the coupling member (e.g., a motor or thelike).

For example, in a case in which the first shelf 4881 is folded, a shoe4850 (e.g., boots) may be stored in the first storage space 4810 and thesecond storage space 4820. Also, in a case in which the second shelf4882 is unfolded, a shoe 4860 (e.g., sneakers) may be stored in each ofthe third storage space 4830 and the fourth storage space 4840. Forexample, a plurality of sensors 4841, 4842, 4843, etc. may be disposedat predetermined intervals on an inner wall 4880 of the fourth storagespace 4840.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of sensors (e.g., a first sensor4811, a second sensor 4812, a third sensor 4813, a fourth sensor 4814,and a fifth sensor 4815) may be vertically disposed at predeterminedintervals on a first inner wall 4870 of the first storage space 4810.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether ashoe is present and the height of a shoe through at least one of aplurality of sensors (e.g., the distance measurement sensor 416, the IRsensor 419, and the like) vertically disposed on an inner wall of eachstorage space of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160). Also,the processor 470 may, on the basis of the height of the shoe, determinewhether to fold or unfold the corresponding shelf.

For example, in a case in which the shoe 4860 (e.g., sneakers) is storedin the fourth storage space 4840, the processor 470 may identify theheight of the shoe 4860 (e.g., sneakers) through the one or more sensors4841, 4842, 4843, etc.

Also, the processor 470 may, on the basis of the identified height ofthe shoe 4860 (e.g., sneakers), generate a control signal that causesthe second shelf 4882 to be unfolded and may transmit the generatedcontrol signal to a motor disposed at the second shelf 4882 to unfoldthe shelf.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may compare the identifiedshoe height with a predetermined height (S4714). The memory 434 of theshoe treating apparatus 310 may store information on the size, design,width, and height of various shoes. Through the information on variousshoes that is stored in the memory 434, the processor 470 may identifythe type, size, height, and the like of the shoe. The processor 470 mayidentify the exact height of the shoe on the basis of the identifiedshoe height and the information on various shoes that is stored in thememory 434.

The predetermined height may include the height from the bottom of theshoe cabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove. The height from the bottomof the shoe cabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove may vary according toa method of manufacturing the shoe treating apparatus.

For example, the height from the bottom of the shoe cabinet to a shelfdisposed thereabove may be about 20 cm. Alternatively, the height fromthe bottom of the shoe cabinet to a shelf disposed thereabove may behigher than about 20 cm or may not be higher than about 20 cm. Theheight may be variably adjusted.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of the comparison between theidentified shoe height and the predetermined height, the processor 470may generate a control signal for controlling unfolding or folding of ashelf in the shoe cabinet (S4716). For example, in a case in which theidentified shoe height is not greater than the predetermined height, theprocessor 470 may generate a control signal for controlling folding of ashelf, which is disposed above a cabinet storing the shoe, so that theshelf is unfolded. The control signal is a signal for controlling anoperation of a motor that allows the shelf to be unfolded.

For example, in a case in which the identified shoe height is greaterthan the predetermined height, the processor 470 may not generate acontrol signal for controlling folding of the shelf, which is disposedabove the cabinet storing the shoe, so that the shelf maintains a foldedstate.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may transmit the generatedcontrol signal to a motor to control an operation of the motor to unfoldor fold the shelf (S4718). In a case in which the identified shoe heightis not greater than the predetermined height, the processor 470 may, tothe corresponding motor, transmit a control signal generated to controlfolding of the shelf, which is disposed above the cabinet storing theshoe, so that the shelf is unfolded.

Alternatively, in a case in which the identified shoe height is notgreater than the predetermined height, the processor 470 may, to thecorresponding motor, not transmit a control signal for controllingfolding of the shelf, which is disposed above the cabinet storing theshoe, so that the shelf maintains a folded state.

Referring to FIG. 49, a shelf according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may be folded or unfolded.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 49, a shelf 4910 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may be unfolded at a predetermined angle (e.g.,180°). For example, the shelf 4910 may have a first member 4911 and asecond member 4912 coupled through a connecting member. Also, themovement of the first member 4911 and the second member 4912 may becontrolled through the corresponding motor of the motor part 437.

Also, a duct 4913 may be formed inside the first member 4911 and thesecond member 4912. At least part of air, steam, low-temperature hotair, and water repellent may flow through the duct 4913.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 49, a shelf 4920 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may be folded at a predetermined angle (e.g.,90°). For example, the shelf 4920 may have a first member 4911 and asecond member 4912 coupled through a connecting member. Also, a duct4913 may be formed inside the first member 4911 and the second member4912. At least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent may flow through the duct 4913.

However, in a case in which the first member 4911 and the second member4912 are formed at a predetermined angle to each other as in FIG. 49Binstead of being parallel to each other, at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent may flow through any one(e.g., the second member 4912) of the first member 4911 and the secondmember 4912 and be discharged to the inside of the storage space 4840 ofthe shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160).

Referring to (c) of FIG. 49, a shelf 4930 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may be folded completely (e.g., at 0°). Forexample, the shelf 4930 may have a first member 4911 and a second member4912 coupled through a connecting member, and the first member 4911 maybe folded through the connecting member so as to be parallel to thesecond member 4912. Also, a duct 4913 may be formed inside the firstmember 4911 and the second member 4912.

At least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent may flow through the duct 4913. In the above case in which thefirst member 4911 and the second member 4912 are completely folded, atleast part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellentmay flow through any one (e.g., the second member 4912) of the firstmember 4911 and the second member 4912 and be discharged to the insideof the storage space 4840 of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet160).

Referring to FIG. 47, the processor 470 may, on the basis of theunfolding or folding of the shelf, treat the shoe through the duct inthe shelf (S4720). The processor 470 may discharge at least part of air,steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent through the ductformed in the unfolded shelf.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may discharge at least part of air,steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent through the ductformed in the folded shelf. For example, in a case in which the shelf isunfolded, ducts formed in the shelf may be coupled to each other, and atleast part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellentmay flow therethrough. In order to prevent this, rubber packing may beformed on portions where the at least one shelf is folded in order toprevent at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and waterrepellent from leaking through the portions.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling folding orunfolding of a shelf of a shoe cabinet according to another embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 51 is an exemplary view illustratingunfolded and folded states of a shelf according to the height of a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling folding or unfolding of a shelfof a shoe cabinet according to another embodiment of the presentinvention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 50 and 51.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may detect whether a shoeis stored in a shoe cabinet (S5010). The process (S5010) may include atleast one function or at least one operation performed in the process(S4710) of FIG. 47.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the height ofa shoe through at least one sensor in the shoe cabinet (S5012). Theprocess (S5012) may include at least one function or at least oneoperation performed in the process (S4712) of FIG. 47. According to anembodiment, the processor 470 may compare the identified shoe heightwith a predetermined height (S5014). The process (S5014) may include atleast one function or at least one operation performed in the process(S4714) of FIG. 47.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether theshoe height is smaller than the predetermined height (S5016). Theprocessor 470 may compare the shoe height with a predetermined height(e.g., the height of a cabinet (e.g., each cabinet of the lower cabinet160) storing the shoe).

For example, the height from the bottom of the shoe cabinet to a shelfdisposed thereabove may be about 20 cm. The height may be variablyadjusted.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may generate a controlsignal for controlling the corresponding motor so that the shelf isunfolded (S5018). When the shoe height acquired in the process (S5012)is identified as being smaller than a predetermined cabinet height, theprocessor 470 may generate a control signal for controlling thecorresponding motor so that the shelf is unfolded.

In a case in which the shoe height is smaller than the predeterminedcabinet height, the processor 470 may determine that a storage space issufficient to store the shoe. Also, the processor 470 may generate acontrol signal for unfolding the shelf to allow the shoe to be stored ina storage space disposed above the storage space in which the shoe isstored.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may transmit the generatedcontrol signal to a motor to control the shelf to be unfolded (S5020).In a case in which the shoe height is not greater than the predeterminedheight, the processor 470 may, to the corresponding motor, transmit acontrol signal generated to control tilting of the shelf, which isdisposed above the cabinet storing the shoe, so that the shelf isunfolded.

Referring to FIG. 51, a shelf may be unfolded or folded according to theheight of a shoe stored in a storage space.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 51, in a case in which the height of a shoe5140 is low (e.g., sneakers, loafers, slippers, or the like), theprocessor 470 may identify the height of the shoe 5140 and, to cause ashelf 5110 to be unfolded, control a motor 5112 corresponding thereto.

Also, the processor 470 may operate a fan 5130 disposed at an inner wall5120 of a storage space to discharge at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, which are supplied fromthe fan 5130, to the inside of the shoe 5140 through a duct 5111 formedinside the shelf 5110.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 51, in a case in which the height of a shoe5160 is high (e.g., boots, rain boots, or the like), the processor 470may identify the height of the shoe 5160 and, to cause a shelf 5150 tobe folded, control a motor 5152 corresponding thereto.

Also, the processor 470 may operate a fan 5130 disposed at an inner wall5120 of a storage space to discharge at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, which are supplied fromthe fan 5130, to the storage space through a duct 5152 formed in theshelf 5150.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control thecorresponding motor so that the shelf is folded (S5022). When the shoeheight acquired in the process (S5012) is identified as not beingsmaller than the predetermined cabinet height, the processor 470 maygenerate a control signal for controlling the corresponding motor sothat the shelf is folded.

Alternatively, the processor 470 may not generate a control signal forcontrolling the corresponding motor so that the shelf maintains a foldedstate.

In a case in which the shoe height is greater than the predeterminedheight, the processor 470 may, to the corresponding motor, transmit acontrol signal generated to control tilting of the shelf, which isdisposed above the cabinet storing the shoe, so that the shelf isfolded. The processor 470 may, to a motor corresponding to the shelf tobe folded, provide a control signal that causes the shelf to be folded(e.g., a torque value of the corresponding motor).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may treat a shoe through aduct in the shelf (S5024). The processor 470 may discharge at least partof air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent through aduct formed in the unfolded shelf to treat a shoe.

For example, the processor 470 may treat a shoe through an intensivetreatment function (e.g., at least one or some of foreign substanceremoval, sanitization/deodorization, steaming/sanitization,dehumidification/drying, and nourishing/water-repellent coating) of theshoe treating apparatus 310.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether shoetreatment has ended (S5026). The processor 470 may perform the intensivetreatment function for a predetermined amount of time (about fortyminutes). Also, the processor 470 may determine whether the time duringwhich intensive treatment is performed on the shoe has exceeded thepredetermined amount of time (e.g., forty minutes).

Alternatively, the processor 470 may determine whether the intensivetreatment function on the shoe has ended. The intensive treatmentfunction may end according to various conditions such as a user commandor exceeding a predetermined amount of time.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through a motorcorresponding to a shelf, control the shelf to be folded (S5028). When ashoe treatment mode is identified as having ended, the processor 470 maycontrol the shelf to be folded through the motor corresponding to theshelf.

Alternatively, when the shoe treatment mode is identified as havingended, the processor 470 may control the corresponding motor so that theshelf maintains an unfolded state.

Hereinafter, controlling an operation of a rotatable duct part disposedin at least one storage space of a lower cabinet of the presentinvention will be described.

[Control of Rotatable Duct Part]

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling anoperation of a rotatable duct part disposed in a storage space accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 53 is a perspective viewillustrating a state in which a rotatable duct part is folded upwardaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 54 is aperspective view illustrating a state in which a rotatable duct part isrotated downward according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 55 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which anexpandable duct part in a rotatable duct part is expanded downwardaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling an operation of a rotatable ductpart disposed in a storage space according to an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.52, 53, 54, and 55.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether ashoe is detected (S5210). The process (S5210) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S4710) ofFIG. 47.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may rotate a rotatableduct part (S5212). When a shoe is identified as being stored in astorage space of a shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160), theprocessor 470 may rotate a rotatable duct part of a duct module towardwhere the shoe is located (e.g., downward).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofidentifying the type of shoe, determine whether to rotate a rotatableduct part. The processor 470 may, on the basis of the identified type(or height) of shoe, determine whether to rotate the rotatable duct parttoward the inside of the storage space.

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part may be disposed onan upper portion of each storage space. Also, the rotatable duct partmay be embedded in the upper portion of each storage space and may beformed in a structure that may protrude by rotating toward the inside ofthe storage space.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which, on the basis of the type(or height) of the shoe, the height of the shoe is less than or equal toa first predetermined height, the processor 470 may rotate the rotatableduct part. The first predetermined height may be a height at which theheight of the shoe does not interfere with rotation of the rotatableduct part.

Alternatively, in a case in which the height of the shoe is less than orequal to a second predetermined height, the processor 470 may rotate therotatable duct part and expand an expandable duct part, which is formedin the rotatable duct part, toward the inside of the shoe. The secondpredetermined height may be less than or equal to the firstpredetermined height.

For example, in a case in which, when the height of the storage space is50 cm and the length of the rotatable duct part is 10 cm, the identifiedheight of the shoe is 38 cm, that is, not greater than a firstpredetermined height (e.g., a height obtained by subtracting the lengthof the rotatable duct part from the height of the storage space (e.g.,40 cm)), the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct part. Also, theprocessor 470 may expand the expandable duct part formed in therotatable duct part toward the inside of the shoe.

For example, in a case in which, when the height of the storage space is50 cm and the length of the rotatable duct part is 10 cm, the identifiedheight of the shoe is 30 cm, that is, not greater than a secondpredetermined height (e.g., a height obtained by subtracting the lengthof the rotatable duct part from the height of the storage space (e.g.,40 cm)), the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct part. Also, theprocessor 470 may expand the expandable duct part formed in therotatable duct part toward the inside of the shoe.

Referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, the rotatable duct part according to anembodiment of the present invention may be embedded in the duct module5300 in a state of being folded upward or may rotate downward.

According to an embodiment, the duct module 5300 may be formed in a formin which two duct modules 5300 a and 5300 b are coupled. A first ductmodule 5300 a may include a first heat exchange part 5310 a, a first fan5320 a, a first duct part 5330 a, and a first rotatable duct part 5340a. Also, a second duct module 5300 b may include a second heat exchangepart 5310 b, a second fan 5320 b, a second duct part 5330 b, and asecond rotatable duct part 5340 b. First motor 5350 a and second motor5350 b are provided to rotate the first rotatable duct part 5340 a andthe second rotatable duct part 5340 b, respectively. First roller 5360 aand second roller 5360 b are provided near the ends of the firstrotatable duct part 5340 a and the second rotatable duct part 5340 b,respectively.

According to an embodiment, each duct module may operate together oroperate independently of each other. For example, in a case in which apair of shoes is present in a storage space, the first and second ductmodules 5300 a and 5300 b may operate together.

Alternatively, in a case in which a single shoe, instead of a pair ofshoes, is present in a storage space, only one of the first and secondduct modules 5300 a and 5300 b that corresponds to the position at whichthe single shoe is placed may operate.

Although the term “first” or “second” is omitted (for example, the firstduct module 5300 a and the second duct module 5300 b are referred to as“duct module 5300”) in the following description with respect to FIG.54, the corresponding element may be interpreted as including at leastone of “first” and “second.”

According to an embodiment, the heat exchange part 5310 may be installedcontinuously with the fan 5320, and the heat exchange part 5310 mayinclude various types of heat exchange devices within the technical ideathat the heat exchange device exchanges heat with air introduced intothe fan 5320.

According to an embodiment, the heat exchange part 5310 may use thePeltier effect to exchange heat with air. The heat exchange part 5310may include a Peltier element.

According to an embodiment, the fan 5320 may deliver air generated inthe heat exchange part 5310 to a storage space, and the duct part 5330may guide the air delivered by the fan 5320 to the storage space throughthe rotatable duct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, the duct part 5330 may be disposed at anupper side of the storage space and may have a duct provided therein toguide movement of air. The duct part 5330 may be disposed at the upperside of the storage space, and movement of the duct part 5330 may berestricted.

According to an embodiment, the duct part 5330 may be installedcontinuously with the fan 5320 and may extend in the horizontaldirection. Also, the duct part 5330 may have a form that is bentdownward. The air introduced into the duct part 5330 after passingthrough the fan 5320 may be moved into the storage space.

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part 5340 may extend tothe inside of the storage space by an operation of rotating orlongitudinally moving. The rotatable duct part 5340 may rotate due to anoperation of a motor 5350 and may be inserted into the duct module 5300in a case in which a shoe is not present in the storage space.

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part 5340 may rotate dueto the operation of the motor 5350 in a case in which air is supplied tothe storage space.

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part 5340 may berotatably installed in a fixed housing 5370 and may, due to the rotatingoperation, be inserted into the fixed housing 5370 or expand to thestorage space.

According to an embodiment, the motor 5350 may be connected to therotatable duct part 5340, and various types of driving devices may beused as the motor 5350 within the technical idea that the driving devicesupplies rotation power for rotating the rotatable duct part 5340downward (e.g., toward a shoe). The motor 5350 may be axially connectedto the center of rotation of the rotatable duct part 5340 and may rotatethe rotatable duct part 5340. The motor 5350 may be included in a motorpart (the motor part 437 of FIG. 4).

According to an embodiment, the motor 5350 may be directly connected tothe center of rotation of the rotatable duct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, a roller 5360 may be rotatably disposed at alower side of an expandable duct part 5520. Also, in a case in which theroller 5360 comes in contact with the insole of the shoe, the roller5360 may rotate to reduce a frictional force. The roller 5360 mayprotrude toward the insole of the shoe and rotate due to coming incontact with the insole of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, in a case in which a shoe is detected in theprocess (S5210), the processor 470 may control the motor 5350 to rotatethe rotatable duct part 5340 downward to where the shoe is placed.

Referring to FIG. 55, in the state of being rotated downward, therotatable duct part 5340 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention may discharge the expandable duct part 5520 downward (e.g., inthe direction of the rotatable duct part 5340).

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may extend andbe discharged in the direction of the rotatable duct part 5340. Therotatable duct part 5340 may include a rotatable duct body 5510 formingan exterior and the expandable duct part 5520 disposed inside therotatable duct body 5510. The rotatable duct body 5510 has one side andthe other side that are open.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may come incontact with the insole of the shoe stored in the storage space and may,due to malleability of a variable duct part, be bent toward the front ofthe shoe. The expandable duct part 5520 is disposed inside the rotatableduct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may be formedin a quadrilateral shape but may also be formed in other shapes.

According to an embodiment, the roller 5360 may be disposed at a lowerportion of the expandable duct part 5520. Also, a discharge port 5540through which at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, andwater repellent are discharged to the inside of the shoe may be formedat the lower portion of the expandable duct part 5520. The dischargeport 5540 is an end portion of the duct formed in the rotatable ductpart 5340. Also, at least one light emitting element 5530 (e.g., UVCLED) may be included at the lower portion of the expandable duct part5520. The at least one light emitting element may be included in a lightemitting part (e.g., the light emitting part 439 of FIG. 4).

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may beextended from the rotatable duct part 5340 toward the inside of theshoe.

Referring to FIG. 52, the processor 470 may discharge at least part ofair, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent through thelower portion of the rotatable duct part 5340 to treat the shoe (S5214).The processor 470 may discharge at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, which are generated by thetreatment part 440, through a duct of the rotatable duct part 5340 tointensively treat the shoe. The duct formed in the rotatable duct part5340 may be formed to discharge at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, which are generated by thetreatment part 440, to the inside of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the intensive treatment may include at leastone of the first function of removing foreign substances adsorbed ontothe shoe, the second function of executing at least one of sanitizationand deodorization of the shoe, the third function of executing at leastone of steaming and sanitization of the shoe, the fourth function ofexecuting at least one of dehumidification and drying of the shoe, andthe fifth function of executing at least one of nourishing andwater-repellent coating of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may emit at least one of aphotocatalyst and a deodorizer through at least one emitting element(e.g., the UV light emitting part 422, the photocatalyst emitting part424, the plasma emitting part 426) disposed at the lower portion of therotatable duct part 5340 (e.g., the lower portion of the expandable ductpart 5520 inserted into the rotatable duct part 5340) to sanitize theshoe and/or deodorize the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may sanitize the inside ofthe shoe through at least one light emitting element disposed at thelower portion of the rotatable duct part (S5216). The processor 470 maysanitize the inside of the shoe through at least one light emittingelement 5530 (e.g., UVC LED) disposed at the lower portion of therotatable duct part 5340 (e.g., the lower portion of the expandable ductpart 5520 inserted into the rotatable duct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether shoetreatment has ended (S5218). The processor 470 may identify whether thetime during which the processes (S5214 and S5216) are performed hasexceeded a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount oftime may be set to different amounts of time according to at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe. Thepredetermined amount of time is the time during which intensivetreatment is performed on the shoe and may be adjusted on the basis of auser input.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may return the rotatableduct part to its normal position (S5220). When intensive treatment onthe shoe has ended, the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct partto insert the rotatable duct part into the duct module 5300.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating a process of controlling anoperation of a rotatable duct part disposed in a storage space accordingto another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 57 is a perspectiveview illustrating a state in which an expandable duct part is bentaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 58A is anexemplary view illustrating a state in which an expandable duct partfaces the inside of a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 58B is an exemplary view illustrating a state in whichan expandable duct part comes in contact with an insole of a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 58C is anexemplary view illustrating a state in which an expandable duct partfaces the inside of a shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 59A is an exemplary view illustrating a state in which arotatable duct part faces the inside of a shoe according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 59B is an exemplary viewillustrating a state in which an expandable duct part faces the insideof a shoe according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling an operation of a rotatable ductpart disposed in a storage space according to another embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.56, 57, 58A, 58B, 58C, 59A, and 59B.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether ashoe is detected (S5610). The process (S5610) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S4710) ofFIG. 47. According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify thetype of shoe through at least one sensor in the shoe cabinet (S5612).The processor 470 may identify the type of the shoe placed in the shoecabinet (e.g., a storage space of the lower cabinet 160) through atleast one sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor 416, the IRsensor 419, and/or the camera 432) included in the sensor part 410.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, through the at leastone sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor419, and/or the camera 432), identify whether the height of theidentified shoe is low like sneakers or high like boots.

In this way, the processor 470 may identify the height of the shoethrough distance values acquired from each of the plurality of sensors(e.g., the distance measurement sensor 416, the IR sensor 419, and thelike) vertically disposed inside the shoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may rotate a rotatableduct part (S5614). The processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct part5340 of the duct module 5300 toward where the shoe is located (e.g.,downward). The processor 470 may, on the basis of identifying the type(or height) of shoe, determine whether to rotate the rotatable duct part5340.

For example, in a case in which the height of the shoe is less than orequal to a first predetermined height, the processor 470 may rotate therotatable duct part 5340 toward the shoe. The first predetermined heightmay be a height at which the height of the shoe does not interfere withrotation of the rotatable duct part.

In this way, in a case in which a shoe is detected in the process(S5610), the processor 470 may control the motor 5350 to controlphysical movement of the rotatable duct part 5340 so that the rotatableduct part 5340 rotates downward to where the shoe is placed.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may expand an expandableduct part to the inside of the shoe (S5616). In a case in which theheight of the shoe identified in the process (S5612) is less than orequal to a second predetermined height, the processor 470 may rotate therotatable duct part 5340 toward the shoe and then may expand theexpandable duct part 5520, which is formed in the rotatable duct part5340, toward the inside of the shoe. The second predetermined height maybe less than or equal to the first predetermined height.

For example, in a case in which, when the height of the storage space is50 cm and the length of the rotatable duct part 5340 is 10 cm, theidentified height of the shoe is 38 cm, that is, not greater than afirst predetermined height (e.g., a height obtained by subtracting thelength of the rotatable duct part 5340 from the height of the storagespace (e.g., 40 cm)), the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable ductpart 5340. Also, the processor 470 may expand the expandable duct part5520 formed in the rotatable duct part toward the inside of the shoe.

For example, in a case in which, when the height of the storage space is50 cm and the length of the rotatable duct part 5340 is 10 cm, theheight of the shoe is 30 cm, that is, not greater than a secondpredetermined height (e.g., a height obtained by subtracting the lengthof the rotatable duct part 5340 from the height of the storage space(e.g., 40 cm)), the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct part andthen may expand the expandable duct part 5520 formed in the rotatableduct part 5340 toward the inside of the shoe.

Referring to FIG. 57, the rotatable duct part 5340 according to anembodiment of the present invention may be embedded in the duct module5300 in a state of being folded upward or may rotate downward.Description of features of the duct module of FIG. 57 that are the sameas the above-described features of the duct module of FIG. 53 may beomitted.

Although the term “first” or “second” is omitted (for example, the firstduct module 5300 a and the second duct module 5300 b are referred to as“duct module 5300”) in the following description, the correspondingelement may be interpreted as including at least one of “first” and“second.”

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part 5340 may extend tothe inside of the storage space by an operation of rotating orlongitudinally moving. The rotatable duct part 5340 may rotate due to anoperation of a motor 5350 and may maintain a state of being insertedinto the duct module 5300 in a case in which a shoe is not present inthe storage space.

According to an embodiment, the motor 5350 may be connected to therotatable duct part 5340, and various types of driving devices may beused as the motor 5350 within the technical idea that the driving devicesupplies rotation power for rotating the rotatable duct part 5340downward (e.g., toward a shoe). The motor 5350 may be axially connectedto the center of rotation of the rotatable duct part 5340 and may rotatethe rotatable duct part 5340. The motor 5350 may be included in a motorpart (the motor part 437 of FIG. 4).

According to an embodiment, the motor 5350 may be directly connected tothe center of rotation of the rotatable duct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, the roller 5360 may be rotatably disposed ata lower side of the expandable duct part 5520. Also, in a case in whichthe roller 5360 comes in contact with the insole of the shoe, the roller5360 may rotate to reduce a frictional force. The roller 5360 mayprotrude toward the insole of the shoe and rotate due to coming incontact with the insole of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, in the state of being rotated downward, therotatable duct part 5340 may extend and discharge the expandable ductpart 5520 downward (e.g., in the direction of the rotatable duct part5340).

According to an embodiment, the rotatable duct part 5340 may include arotatable duct body 5510 forming an exterior and the expandable ductpart 5520 disposed inside the rotatable duct body 5510. The rotatableduct body 5510 has one side and the other side that are open.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may come incontact with the insole of the shoe stored in the storage space and may,due to malleability of a variable duct part, be bent toward the front ofthe shoe. The expandable duct part 5520 is disposed inside the rotatableduct part 5340.

According to an embodiment, the expandable duct part 5520 may be formedto include an upper duct part 5710, a variable duct part 5720 which isconnected to a lower side of the upper duct part 5710 and has a shapethat may be changed by an external force, and a lower duct part 5730which is connected to a lower side of the variable duct part 5720 andhas the roller 5360 disposed on a lower portion.

According to an embodiment, the upper duct part 5710 and the lower ductpart 5730 may be coupled through the variable duct part 5720 whose shapemay be changed by an external force. Also, the roller 5360 for reducingfriction against the bottom of a shoe may be disposed on the lowerportion of the lower duct part 5730.

For example, in a case in which the expandable duct part 5520 expandstoward the inside of a shoe, the lower portion of the lower duct part5730 may come in contact with the bottom of the shoe. In this state, ina case in which the expandable duct part 5520 continues to expand to theinside of the shoe, due to the roller 5360 disposed at the lower portionof the lower duct part 5730 and the variable duct part 5720, anexpanding direction of the lower duct part 5730 may be a direction(e.g., a direction toward the inside of the shoe) that is different froman expanding direction of the upper duct part 5710.

Referring to FIG. 58A, the expandable duct part 5520 according to anembodiment of the present invention may face the inside of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, due to the processor 470 controlling themotor 5350, the expandable duct part 5520 may be discharged toward theinside of a shoe 5840 (e.g., sneakers) placed on a shelf 5810. Throughthe discharge port 5540 formed in the lower surface of the expandableduct part 5520, at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air,and water repellent may be discharged (5831). Also, at least part ofair, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent dischargedthrough the discharge port 5540 may be diffused to the inside of theshoe 5840.

According to an embodiment, a sub-fan 5820 may be additionally disposedin a storage space. The sub-fan 5820 may be used in causing at leastpart of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, and water repellent, whichare discharged to the inside of the storage space, to be diffused in thestorage space.

Referring to FIG. 58B, the expandable duct part 5520 according to anembodiment of the present invention may come in contact with an insole5841 of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, under control of the processor 470 throughthe motor 5350, the expandable duct part 5520 may be continuouslydischarged in a direction 5851 toward the inside of the shoe 5840 (e.g.,sneakers) placed on the shelf 5810. Also, as a result, the roller 5360disposed at the lower portion of the expandable duct part 5520 may comein contact with the insole 5841 of the shoe 5840 (e.g., sneakers).

The expandable duct part 5520 may be connected to the rotatable ductpart 5340 and may extend downward from the rotatable duct part 5340which is rotated to face the inside of the storage space. Also, theexpandable duct part 5520 may include a second duct connected to a firstduct formed in the rotatable duct part 5340, and the expandable ductpart 5520 may be formed so that at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent introduced through thefirst duct are discharged in the direction 5851 toward the inside of theshoe 5840 (e.g., sneakers) through the second duct.

Referring to FIG. 58C, when, in a state in which the expandable ductpart 5520 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incontact with the insole 5841 of the shoe, the motor 5350 controls theexpandable duct part 5520 to continue to move in the downward direction5851, in the expandable duct part 5520, the variable duct part 5720whose shape may be changed by an external force may enter in a direction5852 toward the inside of the shoe 5840. The expandable duct part 5520may continue to move in the direction 5852 toward the inside of the shoe5840 (e.g., sneakers).

Also, through the discharge port 5540 formed in the lower surface of theexpandable duct part 5520, at least part of air, steam, low-temperaturehot air, and water repellent may be discharged (5832) to inside the shoe5840.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may maintain theexpandable duct part 5520 in any one of the states shown in FIGS. 58A,58B, and 58C to discharge at least part of air, steam, low-temperaturehot air, and water repellent.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may repeatedly control theexpansion or insertion of the expandable duct part on the basis of theidentified height of the shoe (S5618). On the basis of the height of theshoe, the processor 470 may control the motor 5350 in the rotatable ductpart 5340 to allow the expandable duct part 5520 to repeatedly performexpansion to the outside of the rotatable duct part 5340 and insertioninto the rotatable duct part 5340.

Referring to FIGS. 59A and 59B, the processor 470 may allow theexpandable duct part 5520 to repeatedly perform the expansion andinsertion during a shoe treatment process to thoroughly treat the insideof a shoe 5860 (e.g., boots).

According to an embodiment, when the shoe 5860 (e.g., boots) isdetermined as a type having a height greater than a predetermined height(e.g., boots, rain boots, or the like), the processor 470 may controlthe motor 5350 in the rotatable duct part 5340 to allow the expandableduct part 5520 to repeatedly perform the expansion to the outside of therotatable duct part 5340 and insertion into the rotatable duct part 5340(5920).

According to an embodiment, a shelf 5910 in a storage space may befolded or unfolded on the basis of identifying the height of the shoe5860. For example, in a case in which the shoe 5860 is a sneaker as inFIGS. 58A to 58C, the shelf 5910 may be operated to be unfolded undercontrol of the processor 470 or may maintain an unfolded state.

Alternatively, in a case in which the shoe 5860 is a boot as in FIG.59A, the shelf 5910 may be operated to be folded under control of theprocessor 470. Also, the shelf 5910 may be formed by coupling between afirst sub-shelf 5911 and a second sub-shelf 5912.

Although the heat exchange part 5310 and the fan 5320 are illustrated inFIGS. 59A and 59B as being formed in a single storage space, this ismerely an embodiment, and a heat exchange part and a fan may be formedat an upper side of each storage space. Also, in a case in which a shelfis folded, the heat exchange part 5310 and the fan 5320 which aredisposed at portions above the shoe may be operated while a heatexchange part and a fan which are disposed at portions below the shoeare not operated.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of movement of the expandableduct part, the processor 470 may discharge at least part of air, steam,low-temperature hot air, and water repellent through the lower portionof the expandable duct part to treat the shoe (S5620). The processor 470may discharge at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, andwater repellent, which are provided by the treatment part 440, through aduct of the rotatable duct part 5340 to intensively treat the shoe. Theprocessor 470 may intensively treat the shoe on the basis of at leastone of the first to fifth functions.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may emit at least one of aphotocatalyst and a deodorizer through at least one emitting element(e.g., the UV light emitting part 422, the photocatalyst emitting part424, the plasma emitting part 426) disposed at the lower portion of therotatable duct part 5340 (e.g., the lower portion of the expandable ductpart 5520 inserted into the rotatable duct part 5340) to sanitize theshoe and/or deodorize the shoe.

According to an embodiment, in a state in which the expandable duct part5520 is continuously moving in the vertical direction, the processor 470may discharge at least part of air, steam, low-temperature hot air, andwater repellent through the lower portion of the expandable duct part5520 to treat the shoe. The speed at which the expandable duct part 5520moves in the vertical direction may be variably adjusted according tothe shoe condition (e.g., the degree of foreign substance adsorption,the degree of bacterial infection, or the like) or shoe type (e.g.,heels, sneakers, boots, or the like).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may sanitize the inside ofthe shoe through at least one light emitting element disposed at thelower portion of the expandable duct part (S5622). The processor 470 maysanitize the inside of the shoe through at least one light emittingelement (e.g., UVC LED) disposed at the lower portion of the rotatableduct part 5340 (e.g., the lower portion of the expandable duct part 5520inserted into the rotatable duct part 5340).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control expandableduct parts 5520 to move identically or may control the expandable ductparts 5520 to not move identically.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether shoetreatment has ended (S5624). The processor 470 may identify whether thetime during which the processes (S5618, S5620, and S5622) are performedhas exceeded a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount oftime may be set to different amounts of time according to at least oneof the material, function, type, and condition of the shoe. Thepredetermined amount of time is the time during which intensivetreatment is performed on the shoe and may be adjusted on the basis of auser input.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may return the rotatableduct part to its normal position (S5626). When intensive treatment onthe shoe has ended, the processor 470 may rotate the rotatable duct part5340 to insert the rotatable duct part 5340 into the duct module 5300.

Hereinafter, controlling an operation of a rolling brush in a storagespace will be described.

[Rolling Brush Control]

FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating a process of adjusting the positionof a shoe in a storage space according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 61A is an exemplary view of a state before the positionof a shoe in a storage space is adjusted according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 61B is an exemplary view of a state afterthe position of the shoe is adjusted by controlling a rolling brush inthe storage space according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of adjusting the position of a shoe in astorage space according to an embodiment of the present invention willbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 60, 61A, and 61B.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether ashoe is detected (S6010). The process (S6010) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S4710) ofFIG. 47.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify the positionof a shoe through at least one sensor in a shoe cabinet (S6012). Theprocessor 470 may acquire an image of a shoe through the camera 432 andmay analyze the acquired image to identify the position of the shoe in astorage space of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160).

Alternatively, through values measured by at least one distancemeasurement sensor 416 and/or at least one IR sensor 419 which aredisposed on an inner wall of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet160), the processor 470 may identify the position of the shoe in theshoe cabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160). The at least one distancemeasurement sensor 416 and at least one IR sensor 419 may be verticallydisposed on at least one inner wall of the shoe cabinet (e.g., the lowercabinet 160).

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control at least onerolling brush to adjust the position of the shoe (S6014). A rollingbrush module 6300 may be disposed in the storage space of the shoecabinet (e.g., the lower cabinet 160), and the rolling brush module 6300may be formed to be detachable from the corresponding shoe cabinet.

Referring to FIGS. 61A and 61B, a rolling brush module including aplurality of rolling brushes may be disposed at the lower portion of theshoe cabinet.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of rollingbrushes may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise under control of theprocessor 470 and the driving part 435. Alternatively, at least one ofthe plurality of rolling brushes may rotate clockwise orcounterclockwise under control of a motor of the motor part 437.

For example, a shoe 6120 is stored in a shoe cabinet 6110. Also, theshoe 6120 may be placed rightward in the shoe cabinet 6110. In thiscase, the processor 470 may identify one or more rolling brushes 6111,6112, 6113, 6114, 6115, 6116, and 6117, which correspond to theposition, weight, or size of the shoe 6120, and may determine arotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) of the identified one ormore rolling brushes 6111, 6112, 6113, 6114, 6115, 6116, and 6117.

Also, the processor 470 may rotate the identified one or more rollingbrushes 6111, 6112, 6113, 6114, 6115, 6116, and 6117 on the basis of thedetermined rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to move theshoe 6120 in a leftward direction 6140.

In this way, the processor 470 may adjust the position of the shoe 6120to correspond to a direction of one or more discharge ports 6131, 6132,and 6133. Alternatively, the processor 470 may adjust the direction orangle of the one or more discharge ports 6131, 6132, and 6133 tocorrespond to the position of the shoe 6120.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a process of treating a shoe in astorage space through a rolling brush module according to an embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 63 is a perspective view illustrating arolling brush module according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 64 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which ashoe is placed on the rolling brush module according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 65 is an exploded view of a rolling brush ofthe rolling brush module according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, the process of treating a shoe in a storage space through arolling brush module according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 62, 63, 64, and 65.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether ashoe is detected (S6210). The process (S6210) may include at least onefunction or at least one operation performed in the process (S4710) ofFIG. 47. According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify atleast one of the material, type, and condition of the shoe (S6212). Theprocess (S6212) may include at least one operation or at least onefunction performed in the process (S512) of FIG. 5. According to anembodiment, the memory 434 of the shoe treating apparatus 310 storesdata relating to the temperature, humidity, degree of ventilation, andthe like according to various materials, functions, types, andconditions of shoes. Also, the processor 470 may acquire thecorresponding data according to the material, function, type, andcondition of the shoe from the memory 434.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis of thematerial, type, and condition of the shoe, set the rotational speed,operation time, and rotational direction of one or more rolling brushes.The processor 470 may, on the basis of the material (e.g., leather,fabric, rubber, or the like), type (e.g., sneakers, heels, or the like),and condition (e.g., cleanliness) of a shoe, set the rotational speed(e.g., RPM), operation time (e.g., ten minutes), and rotationaldirection (e.g., clockwise/counterclockwise rotation) of the one or morerolling brushes.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may, on the basis ofidentifying at least one of the material, type, and condition of theshoe, set an operation time (e.g., rotation time) of one or more rollingbrushes to remove foreign substances from the bottom of the shoe.

For example, in a case in which the amount of foreign substances (e.g.,dirt) adsorbed onto a shoe (e.g., the bottom of the shoe) is large, theprocessor 470 may set the operation time (e.g., rotation time) of theone or more rolling brushes as a first time (e.g., ten minutes).

Alternatively, in a case in which the amount of foreign substancesadsorbed onto a shoe (e.g., the bottom of the shoe) is not large, theprocessor 470 may set the operation time of the one or more rollingbrushes as a second time (e.g., five minutes) which is less than thefirst time (e.g., ten minutes). The time may be variably adjustedaccording to the amount of foreign substances adsorbed onto the shoe,the material of the shoe, and the type of the shoe.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may control one or morerolling brushes to remove foreign substances from the bottom of the shoe(S6214). The processor 470 may operate a motor coupled to each rollingbrush of the rolling brush module 6300 during the set operation time torotate the corresponding rolling brush clockwise or counterclockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 63 and 64, the rolling brush module 6300 according toan embodiment of the present invention may include one or more rollingbodies 6310, one or more brushes 6320 coupled to each rolling body 6310at predetermined intervals, a wireless charging module 6330 configuredto wirelessly receive power from an external device (e.g., wirelesscharging device), and a battery 6340 configured to charge power.

Also, the rolling brush module 6300 may include an actuator 6350configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy to vibratethe one or more rolling brushes, an ultrasonic vibrator 6360 configuredto vibrate the one or more rolling brushes, and a motor 6370 configuredto rotate the rolling brush.

Also, the rolling brush module 6300 may include a printed circuit board(PCB) 6380 configured to control the overall operation (e.g., wirelesspower reception, wireless power charging, rolling brush rotation,actuator control, ultrasonic vibrator control, and the like) of therolling brush module 6300.

According to an embodiment, an operation performed by the rolling brushmodule 6300 may be controlled by the PCB or controlled by the processor470.

For example, when attempting to move a shoe 6420, the processor 470 (orthe PCB 6380) may rotate one or more rolling brushes 6500, whichcorrespond to the position of the shoe, in a direction in which the shoe6420 is desired to move (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

For example, when attempting to remove foreign substances adsorbed ontothe shoe 6420, the processor 470 (or the PCB 6380) may rotate eachrolling brush (e.g., a first rolling brush) of the plurality of rollingbrushes 6500 corresponding to the position of the shoe so that therotational direction of the rolling brush (e.g., the first rollingbrush) is opposite to the rotational direction of another rolling brush(e.g., a second rolling brush) adjacent thereto.

For example, the processor 470 may rotate the first rolling brushclockwise and rotate the second rolling brush, which is adjacent to thefirst rolling brush, counterclockwise. Also, the processor 470 mayrotate a third rolling brush, which is adjacent to the second rollingbrush, clockwise.

In this way, the processor 470 may rotate a rolling brush in a directionopposite to a rotational direction of other rolling brushes adjacent tothe rolling brush.

In this way, the processor 470 may operate the motor 6370 coupled toeach of the identified one or more rolling brushes to rotate the rollingbrush (e.g., clockwise and/or counterclockwise).

According to an embodiment, even when the one or more rolling brushesare rotating or not rotating, the processor 470 may vibrate one or moreultrasonic vibrators 6360 disposed at one side of the rolling brushmodule 6300 to vibrate the one or more rolling brushes.

According to an embodiment, the rolling brush module 6300 may include aholder 6410 for controlling (or preventing) movement of the shoe 6420.The holder 6410 may be bent toward the shoe 6420 and prevent the shoe6420 from moving.

Referring to FIG. 65, a rolling brush 6500 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may include one or more ultrasonic vibrators 6360disposed at both left and right sides to vibrate the rolling brush 6500,a motor 6370 configured to rotate the rolling brush 6500, a brush sidedecoration 6540 disposed between the ultrasonic vibrator 6360 and themotor 6370, a rolling body 6310, one or more brushes 6320 coupled to therolling body 6310 at predetermined intervals, one or more light emittingelements 6510 attached to a surface of the rolling body 6310 to outputUV light, and a key 6520 inserted into the rolling body 6310 to transmita rotational force of the motor 6370.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may identify whether anamount of time has exceeded a predetermined amount of time (S6216). Theprocessor 470 may, on the basis of identifying the shoe in the process(S6212), identify whether the time during which the process (S6214) isperformed has exceeded the predetermined amount of time. For example,the processor 470 may keep track of the time during which foreignsubstances are removed from the shoe and may identify whether the timehas exceeded or not exceeded the predetermined amount of time.

For example, the predetermined amount of time may be variably adjustedaccording to the shoe condition (e.g., the degree of foreign substanceadsorption, the degree of bacterial infection, or the like) or shoe type(e.g., heels, sneakers, boots, or the like). Alternatively, thepredetermined amount of time may be adjusted on the basis of a userinput.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may sanitize the bottom ofthe shoe (S6218). When the time during which the process (S6214) isperformed is identified as exceeding the predetermined amount of time onthe basis of identifying the shoe in the process (S6212), the processor470 may sanitize the bottom of the shoe 6420.

According to an embodiment, the processor 470 may treat the shoe (e.g.,perform at least one of the first to fifth functions) during anoperation time which is set according to the condition, type, andmaterial of the shoe, and when the set operation time has elapsed, theprocessor 470 may rotate the rolling brush 6500 through the motor 6370coupled to each rolling brush 6500 and may cause one or more lightemitting elements (e.g., UVC LEDs) 6510 disposed in the rolling brush(e.g., the rolling body) to emit light to sanitize the bottom of theshoe 6420.

The steps in each flowchart described above may be performed regardlessof the illustrated order or may be simultaneously performed. Also, oneor more elements of the present invention and one or more operationsperformed by the one or more elements may be implemented with hardwareand/or software.

Also, various values mentioned herein are only an embodiment, and thepresent invention is not limited thereto and may include various othervalues.

The present invention has been described above with reference to theaccompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited by theembodiments disclosed herein and the drawings, and it is apparent thatvarious modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the artto which the present invention pertains. Further, even when the effectsaccording to configurations of the present invention are not explicitlydescribed while describing the embodiments of the present invention,predictable effects of the corresponding configurations should also berecognized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe treating apparatus, comprising: an uppercabinet; a lower cabinet disposed below the upper cabinet; an electroniccomponent compartment disposed below the lower cabinet; at least onesensor; and a processor electrically connected to the electroniccomponent compartment and the at least one sensor, wherein the processoris configured to: identify at least one of a material, a type, or acondition of at least one shoe in the upper cabinet, based on theidentification of the at least one of the material, the type, or thecondition of the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet, perform anormal treatment on the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet throughthe electronic component compartment, and identify at least one of amaterial, a type, or a condition of at least one shoe in the lowercabinet, and based on the identification of the at least one of thematerial, the type, or the condition of the at least one shoe in thelower cabinet, perform an intensive treatment on the at least one shoein the lower cabinet through the electronic component compartment, andwherein the normal treatment is different from the intensive treatment.2. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the normal treatmentcomprises controlling at least one of a temperature or a humidity insidethe upper cabinet based on the at least one of the material, type, orcondition of the at least one shoe in the upper cabinet.
 3. The shoetreating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intensive treatment comprisesperforming at least one of a foreign substance removal function, asanitizing and deodorizing function, a steaming and sanitizing function,a dehumidifying and drying function, or a nourishing and water-repellentcoating function for the at least one shoe in the lower cabinet based onthe at least one of the material, type, or condition of the at least oneshoe in the lower cabinet.
 4. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 3,further comprising: a suction tube disposed inside the lower cabinet;and at least one of a discharge tube disposed inside the lower cabinetor a rolling brush disposed at a lower portion of the lower cabinet,wherein the foreign substance removal function comprises: dischargingair through the discharge tube and suctioning the foreign substancesdislodged from the at least one shoe in the lower cabinet due to thedischarged air through the suction tube, and causing foreign substancesattached to a lower portion of the at least one shoe in the lowercabinet to be dislodged therefrom by rolling the at least one rollingbrush and suctioning the foreign substances dislodged from the lowerportion of the shoe.
 5. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising: a light emitter disposed inside the lower cabinet; and anemitter disposed inside the lower cabinet, wherein the sanitizing anddeodorizing function comprises: emitting ultraviolet light by the lightemitter, and emitting at least one of a photocatalyst and a deodorizerthrough the emitter.
 6. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a discharge tube disposed inside the lower cabinet, whereinthe steaming and sanitizing function comprises discharging steam throughthe discharge tube.
 7. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a discharge tube disposed inside the lower cabinet, whereinthe dehumidifying and drying function comprise discharginglow-temperature hot air through the discharge tube.
 8. The shoe treatingapparatus of claim 3, further comprising a discharge tube disposedinside the lower cabinet, wherein the nourishing and water-repellentcoating function comprises emitting at least one of mist or air throughthe discharge tube.
 9. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe processor is further configured to treat the at least one shoe inthe lower cabinet through the electronic component compartment for apredetermined amount of time for each of the foreign substance removalfunction, the sanitizing and deodorizing function, the steaming andsanitizing function, the dehumidifying and drying function, and thenourishing and water-repellent coating function.
 10. The shoe treatingapparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a suction tube disposed insidethe lower cabinet; a discharge tube disposed inside the lower cabinet; arolling brush disposed at a lower portion of the lower cabinet; a lightemitter disposed inside the lower cabinet; and an emitter disposedinside the lower cabinet.
 11. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: an upper door to open and close the upper cabinet;and a lower door to open and close the lower cabinet, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: detect, through the at least onesensor, whether the upper door or the lower door is closed and whetherat least one shoe is present in a corresponding one of the upper cabinetor the lower cabinet, and based on detecting whether the upper door orthe lower door is closed and whether the at least one shoe is present inthe corresponding one of the upper cabinet or the lower cabinet, operateeach of the upper cabinet and the lower cabinet in a treatment modecorresponding thereto through the electronic component compartment. 12.The shoe treating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor isfurther configured to, when a shoe is not detected inside the lowercabinet, perform a sanitizing and deodorizing function and a steamingand sanitizing function at a higher strength compared to when the atleast one shoe is detected inside the lower cabinet through theelectronic component compartment to disinfect the inside of the lowercabinet.
 13. The shoe treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the uppercabinet comprises a plurality of storage spaces, and wherein theprocessor is further configured to, based on the at least one of thematerial, type, or condition of the at least one shoe disposed in eachof the plurality of storage spaces included in the upper cabinet,control the at least one of the temperature or the humidity for each ofthe plurality of storage spaces differently through the electroniccomponent compartment to perform the normal treatment.
 14. The shoetreating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower cabinet comprises aplurality of storage spaces, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to, based on the at least one of the material, type, orcondition of the at least one shoe disposed in each of the plurality ofstorage spaces included in the lower cabinet, perform the at least oneof the foreign substance removal function, the sanitizing anddeodorizing function, the steaming and sanitizing function, thedehumidifying and drying function, or the nourishing and water-repellentcoating function for each of the plurality of storage spaces through theelectronic component compartment to perform the intensive treatment. 15.The shoe treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a camera,wherein the lower cabinet comprises a storage space and at least onedischarge tube located in the storage space, wherein the at least onesensor comprises a distance measurement sensor, and wherein theprocessor is further configured to: identify a position of the at leastone shoe in the storage space of the lower cabinet through at least oneof the camera and the distance measurement sensor, and adjust an angleof the at least one discharge tube disposed inside the storage space tocorrespond to the identified position of the shoe.
 16. A method ofoperating a shoe treating apparatus, the method comprising: identifying,by a processor, at least one of a material, a type, and a condition ofat least one shoe in an upper cabinet of the shoe treating apparatus;performing, by the processor, a normal treatment on the at least oneshoe in the upper cabinet based on the identification of the at leastone of the material, the type, or the condition of the at least one shoein the upper cabinet; identifying, by the processor, at least one of amaterial, a type, and a condition of at least one shoe in a lowercabinet disposed below the upper cabinet; and performing, by theprocessor, an intensive treatment on the at least one shoe in the lowercabinet based on the identification of the at least one of the material,the type, or the condition of the at least one shoe in the lowercabinet, wherein the normal treatment is different from the intensivetreatment.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: detecting,through at least one sensor, whether a door of at least one of the uppercabinet or the lower cabinet is closed and whether the at least one shoeis present in the upper cabinet or the lower cabinet; and based ondetecting whether the door is closed and whether the at least one shoeis present, operating each of the upper cabinet and the lower cabinet ina treatment mode corresponding thereto.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein, when a shoe is not detected inside the lower cabinet,performing a sanitizing and deodorizing function and a steaming andsanitizing function at a higher strength as compared to when the atleast one shoe is detected inside the lower cabinet to disinfect theinside of the lower cabinet.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein theupper cabinet comprises a plurality of storage spaces, and wherein theperforming of the normal treatment comprises, based on at least one ofthe material, the type, or the condition of the at least one shoedisposed in each of the plurality of storage spaces included in theupper cabinet, controlling at least one of the temperature or thehumidity for each of the plurality of storage spaces differently. 20.The method of claim 16, wherein the lower cabinet comprises a pluralityof storage spaces, and wherein the performing of the intensive treatmentcomprises, based on the at least one of the material, the type, or thecondition of the at least one shoe disposed in each of the plurality ofstorage spaces included in the lower cabinet, performing at least one ofa foreign substance removal function, a sanitizing and deodorizingfunction, a steaming and sanitizing function, a dehumidifying and dryingfunction, or a nourishing and water-repellent coating function for eachof the plurality of storage spaces.